LIBRARY 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 SANTA BARBARA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Ml SS PEARL CHASE
 
 %ty ©ptumst's #ooti 
 JStgfjt
 
 
 Compiled by 
 
 Martnte ijnbart Prrtn 
 
 Boston 
 ?Ctttlr, Srntmt, anfc Company 
 
 1922
 
 Copyright, igio, 
 By Little, Brown, and Company. 
 
 All rights reserved
 
 (Urorge £. and (Srnrge 21. 3r.
 
 SUknotDlctjgmcntg 
 
 The compiler takes pleasure in acknowledging her 
 indebtedness to the authors and publishers who have 
 so generously granted permission to use extracts 
 from their copyrighted publications. Among these 
 are Harper & Bros., The Outlook Co., Houghton, 
 Mifflin & Co., for extracts from the poems of Edward 
 Rowland Sill and Mrs. Margaret Deland; to The 
 Century Co., for a selection from " The World I 
 Live In," by Miss Helen Keller; to J. L. Nichols 
 & Co., for poems from " The Life and Works of Paul 
 Laurence Dunbar"; to Florence Earle Coates for 
 poems from her volume" Lyrics of Life "; to Denis A. 
 McCarthy, Associate Editor of the Sacred Heart 
 Review, Boston, for extracts from " Voices from 
 Erin "; G. P. Putnam's Sons, for selections from 
 Christus Victor by Henry Nehemiah Dodge; to 
 John Vance Cheney for selections from his volume 
 entitled "Poems"; to Elliot Stock, London, Pub- 
 lisher, for selections from " Light on the Problems of 
 Life" by Archdeacon Basil Wilberforce; to Charles 
 Scribner's Sons for selections from " The Story of 
 the Psalms," " The Builders and Other Poems," 
 " Sermons to Young Men," " Little Rivers," " The 
 Poetry of Tennyson," " The Toiling of Felix and 
 Other Poems," " Out of Doors in the Holy Land," by 
 Henry Van Dyke; to E. P. Dutton Co. for extracts 
 from The Hepworth Year Book; to Henry Nehemiah 
 Dodge for selection from " Mystery of the West "; 
 to Robert Loveman for selections from " A Book of 
 Verses"; to Charles B. Newcomb for extracts from 
 
 Principles of Psychic Philosophy," and to Horace 
 Traubel for selections from the poems of Walt 
 Whitman.
 
 preface 
 
 The days are noisy and there is much feverish 
 rushing to and fro, and hurrying on aimless feet. 
 What with the noise and the hurry and worry many of 
 us are in danger of losing all conscious Divine Com- 
 munication. Faith's whisper in the heart is lost in 
 the uproar of life's tumult. Hence the necessity 
 for a little pause at the end of the day for the readjust- 
 ment which comes through thought and prayer. 
 " The Optimist's Good Morning," published a few 
 years ago, was meant to be a help to busy people 
 to begin the day with God. " The Optimist's Good 
 Night " now goes forth with the hope that it may 
 be as useful in helping many to close the day with 
 God. 
 
 Florence Hobart Perin.
 
 Xtst of 
 gutjjors of ^elections 
 
 Adams, John Coleman, 262. 
 Aldrich, T. B., 298. 
 Anatolius, Saint, 56. 
 Appleton, Everard Jack, 71. 
 Augustine, Saint, 267. 
 Aurelius, Marcus, 79. 
 Austin, Katharine H., 42. 
 
 Babcock, Maltbie D., 318. 
 
 Baldwin, Mary, 103. 
 
 Bangs, John Kendrick, 12, 102, 137, 329, 359. 
 
 Bates, Charlotte Fiske, 37. 
 
 Beecher, Henry Ward, 33, 35, 43, 46, 65, 136, 219, 
 
 258, 266, 306, 366. 
 Bisbee, Frederic A., 236. 
 Bridgman, L. B., 118. 
 Bronte, Charlotte, 160. 
 Brooks, Phillips, II, 109, 173, 214. 
 Browning, Elizabeth Barrett, 182, 196, 301. 
 Browning, Robert, 175, 316, 322, 367. 
 Buchanan, James, 276. 
 Bulkeley, Benjamin R., 259. 
 Bunyan, John, 27. 
 Burns, Robert, 288. 
 Burroughs, John, 278. 
 Burroughs, Ophelia G., 207. 
 Burton, Richard, 54, 302, 333, 
 Butts, Mary F., 32, 203, 282. 
 Byron, Lord, 62.
 
 Xll 
 
 Stttttjor* of Stttcttous 
 
 Cary, Alice, 14, 134, 139, 300, 313. 
 
 Cary, Phoebe, 322. 
 
 Casson, Charles W., 357. 
 
 Casterline, Helen A., 83. 
 
 Cawein, Madison, 246. 
 
 Chadwick, J. W., 153. 
 
 Cheney, Ednah Dow, 144. 
 
 Cheney, John Vance, 240, 243, 284, 354, 364. 
 
 Child, Mrs. L. M, 176. 
 
 Clarke, James Freeman, 167. 
 
 Clough, Arthur Hugh, 237, 347. 
 
 Coates, Florence Earle, 68, 76, 78, 185, 211, 275, 337. 
 
 Cobb, Henry N., 135. 
 
 Cocke, Zitella, 17. 
 
 Coleridge, Hartley, 85. 
 
 Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 356. 
 
 Cone, Helen Gray, 154 
 
 Conklin, Hazen, 336. 
 
 Cooke, Edmund Vance, 60. 
 
 Coolidge, Susan, 36, 174. 
 
 Cowper, William, 292. 
 
 Craik, Dinah Mulock, 165. 
 
 Dandridge, Danske, 124. 
 
 Davis, Minnie S., 158. 
 
 Davis, Robert, 66. 
 
 Dawson, W. J., 58. 
 
 Deas, Lizzie, 216. 
 
 DeGirardin, 106. 
 
 Deland, Margaret, 25, 224. 
 
 DeVere, Aubrey, 10. 
 
 Dickens, Charles, 101. 
 
 Dickinson, Emily, 127. 
 
 Dickinson, M. L., 67. 
 
 Dodge, Mary Danforth, 361. 
 
 Dodge, Henry Nehemiah, 19, 100, 120, 128, 142, 147, 
 
 291, 311. 
 Dole, Charles F., 101, 146, 193. 
 Dolson, Eugene C, 81. 
 Drummond, Henry, 112. 
 Dunbar, Aldis, 317. 
 Dunbar, Paul Laurence, 20, 86, 172, 293, 310.
 
 Ilttttjors of Selections 
 
 Xlll 
 
 Eliot, George, 52, 245. 
 
 Elmendorf, Mary J., 349. 
 
 Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 54, 229, 307, 320. 
 
 Epictetus, 228. 
 
 Faber, Frederick W., 130. 
 Felkins, Ellen T. F., 178. 
 Felt, Inez May, 77. 
 Field, Eugene, 21, 328. 
 Field, Gertrude Rugg, 34. 
 Field, Michael, 6. 
 Finch, Lucine, 264. 
 Fleming, Paul, 231. 
 Franklin, Benjamin, 7. 
 
 Gannett, William C, 161, 166. 
 Garrett, Edward, 162. 
 Garrison, Theodosia, 84. 
 Gilder, Richard Watson, 160. 
 Goethe, 280, 320. 
 Gordon, Alexander, 179. 
 Greenwell, Dora, 351. 
 Gross, Mary G., 234. 
 Gustafson, Z. B., 94. 
 Guthrie, Thomas, 237. 
 
 Hale, Edward Everett, 72. 
 
 Hall, Bolton, 16. 
 
 Hamilton, Gertrude Brooke, 150. 
 
 Hamilton, James, 235. 
 
 Harney, James Clarence, 191. 
 
 Hedbrook, Andrew, 185. 
 
 Henley, William Ernest, 64. 
 
 Hepworth, George H., 96, 148, 162, 165, 208, 341. 
 
 Herbert, George, 7. 
 
 Hillis, Newell Dwight, 295. 
 
 Hoerr de Packh, Cecilia, 364. 
 
 Holland, J. G, 327, 362. 
 
 Holm, Saxe, 87. 
 
 Holmes, Oliver Wendell, 75. 
 
 Hood, Thomas, 88. 
 
 Horace, 238.
 
 XIV 
 
 ^tttljors of Selections 
 
 Houghton, Lord, 1S4, 206. 
 Howells, W. D., 335. 
 Howland, Mary Woolsey, 9. 
 Hugo, Victor, 148, 230. 
 Hunt, Leigh, 186. 
 Hunt, Matthew, 299. 
 Huntington, Bishop, 226. 
 Huntington, William Reed, 123. 
 
 Ingelow, Jean, 348. 
 
 Jackson, Helen Hunt, 156. 
 Jefferies, Richard, 172. 
 Johnson, Philander C, 273. 
 Johnstone, Henry, 13. 
 
 Keble, John, 88, 92. 
 
 Keller, Helen, 358. 
 
 Kempis, Thomas a, 201, 251, 261. 
 
 Kimball, Harriet McEwen, 330. 
 
 Kinney, Edith Hope, 63. 
 
 Kirk, Eleanor, 122. 
 
 Klingle, George, 242. 
 
 Kloss, Charles Luther, 82. 
 
 Knowles, Evelyn Sylvester, 289. 
 
 Laurie, Lois, 324. 
 
 Leighton, Robert, 143. 
 
 Leonard, Priscilla, 29, 244. 
 
 Lewis, Emily Sargent, 44. 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham, 303. 
 
 Linn, Edith Willis, 31. 
 
 Long, Lily A., 334. 
 
 Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 61, 70, 107, HO, 220, 
 
 230. 
 Lord, Myra B., 353. 
 Loveman, Robert, 113, 155. 
 Lowell, James Russell, 325. 
 
 Macdonald, George, 154, 157, 248. 
 MacLeod, Norman, 347.
 
 3tttJ)OV0 of Selections 
 
 XV 
 
 Maeterlinck, Maurice, 155. 
 
 Malone, Walter, 8. 
 
 Matheson, George, 281. 
 
 McCarthy, Denis A., 41, 74, 95, 159, 213, 240, 344, 
 
 365. 
 McConnell, Mary Lloyd, 272. 
 Meredith, Owen, 303. 
 Merriam, George S., 176. 
 Merrill, W. R, 28. 
 Miller, Joaquin, 53. 
 Miller, J. R., 141. 
 Milton, John, 89, 199. 
 Moodie, William, 183. 
 Moulton, Ida Q., 252. 
 Mountford, 140. 
 Murphy, Ethel A., 250. 
 
 Neumark, Georg, 210. 
 Newcomb, Charles B., 50, 208. 
 
 Omar Khayyam, 264. 
 
 Palmer, Alice Freeman, 39, 51, 194. 
 
 Parker, Theodore, 138. 
 
 Pastnor, Paul, 233, 249. 
 
 Perin, George L., 3, 71, 179, 189, 215, 235, 294, 304, 
 
 319, 323, 332, 343, 352, 368. 
 Plato, 260. 
 
 Pope, Alexander, 267. 
 Porter, Charlotte, 5, 57. 
 Procter, Adelaide A., 15, 97, 99, 190. 
 Proctor, Edna Dean, 188. 
 
 Rexford, Eben E., 290. 
 Roberts, Theodore, 247. 
 Rockefeller, John D., 193. 
 Rollins, Alice Wellington, 326. 
 Roosevelt, Theodore, 340. 
 Rossetti, Christina G., 356. 
 Ruskin, John, 22, 106, 114, 331. 
 Russell, Marie, 227.
 
 XVI 
 
 &ttt1)orB of Selections 
 
 Sangster, Margaret E., 170. 
 
 Savage, Minot J., 132, 221. 
 
 Schauffler, Robert Haven, 241. 
 
 Schiller, 228. 
 
 Scholl, John William, 268. 
 
 Scollard, Clinton, 200. 
 
 Shairp, J. C, 204. 
 
 Shamus, Io, 195. 
 
 Sherman, Frank Dempster, 222. 
 
 Shurtleff, E. W., 177. 
 
 Sill, Edward Rowland, 26, 114, 212. 
 
 Sill, Louise Morgan, 270. 
 
 Skinner, Charles R., 30, 146. 
 
 Smith, Edith Livingston, 274. 
 
 Smith, Luella Dowd, ill. 
 
 Smith, Sydney, 296. 
 
 Southey, R., 131. 
 
 Spencer, Anna Garlin, 342. 
 
 Spencer, Judith, 205. 
 
 Spenser, Edmund, 321. 
 
 Stanley, 'Bessie A., 117. 
 
 Staples, N. A., 164. 
 
 Stedman, Edmund Clarence, 93. 
 
 Stevenson, Robert Louis, 75. 
 
 Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 164. 
 
 Struthers, William, 149. 
 
 Swain, Charles, 263. 
 
 Taft, William H., 296. 
 Tennyson, Alfred, 73, 363. 
 Thaxter, Celia, 108, 218. 
 Thoreau, Henry D., 40, 223. 
 Trench, Richard Chenevix, 119, 151. 
 Turner, May, 297. 
 
 Urmy, Clarence, 80. 
 
 Van Dyke* Henry, 24, 55, 181, 187, 209, 225, 253, 308, 
 
 3H, 346. 
 Vaughan, Mary, 47. 
 Vicario, Mary, 312. 
 Vincent, 40.
 
 SUttijovs of Selection!* 
 
 XV 11 
 
 Wagner, Charles, 133. 
 
 Walter, Howard Arnold, 202, 283, 350. 
 
 Ward, Lew Marston, 104. 
 
 Waterman, Nixon, 23, 116. 
 
 Watson, William, 52, 271. 
 
 Webb, Winifred, 331. 
 
 Whiting, Lilian, 127. 
 
 Whitman, Walt, 143, 309, 345. 
 
 Whitney, Mrs. A. D. T., 18, 22, 49, 57, 59, 90, 98, 
 
 129, 180, 192, 197, 223, 239, 319. 
 Whitney, Helen Hay, 279. 
 Whittier, John Greenleaf, 89, 93, 315. 
 Wilberforce, Basil, 27, 46, 65, 79, 115, 125, 138, 198, 
 
 250, 256, 281, 315, 322, 346, 348. 
 Wilcox, Ella Wheeler, 51, 112, 145, 174, 286. 
 Williams, Gustavus, 287. 
 Williams, Isaac, 285. 
 Williams, Sarah, 121. 
 Withers, Lucius, 257. 
 Wolff, Amy Seville, 355. 
 Wood, Henry, 317. 
 Wordsworth, William, 126.
 
 Xist of 
 Sutiwrs of drapers 
 
 Adams, Fred Winslow, 12. 
 Adams, John Coleman, 19. 
 Addison, Daniel Dulaney, 100. 
 Aked, Charles F., 237. 
 Albion, James F., 311. 
 Aldrich, Randall H., 125, 
 Alexander, James, 226. 
 Allen, Pliny A., 138. 
 Alvord, Otis F., 256. 
 Ames, Charles Gordon, 71. 
 Ames, Fred Winslow, 12. 
 Anderson, Wilbert L., 32. 
 Anderson, Thomas D., 164. 
 Angell, Caroline E., 238. 
 Antrim, Eugene M., 330. 
 Atterbury, Anson P., 56. 
 Atwood, I. M., 109. 
 Atwood, J. M., 245. 
 Austin, Leon H., 132. 
 Ayres, Samuel Gilbert, 212. 
 
 Baldwin, Mary, 368. 
 
 Baldwin, Arthur S., 180. 
 
 Bandy, J. Van Neiee, 352. 
 
 Barbour, Clarence A., 68. 
 
 Bard, Howard Burton, 198. 
 
 Bartlett, A. Eugene, 146. 
 
 Beale, William T., 205. 
 
 Beecher, Henry Ward, 27, 167, 243, 272, 281, 286, 312. 
 
 Beers, Robert W., 196.
 
 XX 
 
 ^tttfjors of JJtragors 
 
 Beiler, Samuel L., 236. 
 Bellamy, George A., 70. 
 Berry, Charles T., 224. 
 Betts, Frederick W, 16. 
 Bieber, M. J., 242. 
 Bisbee, Frederick A., 310. 
 Blanchard, Henry, 356. 
 Bolles, Edwin C, 143. 
 Boyle, T. N., 218. 
 Boynton, Nehemiah, 147. 
 Bradley, Asa M., 54. 
 Brigham, L. Ward, 348. 
 Bronson, Dillon, 291. 
 Brown, Robert E., 2>7- 
 Bugbee, Lucius H., 120. 
 Bulkeley, Benjamin R., 62. 
 Bush, R. Perry, 288. 
 Bushnell, Samuel Clarke, 80. 
 Bustard, William W., 5. 
 Butters, George S., 85. 
 
 Cadman, S. Parkes, Jt,. 
 Campbell, Frederic, 182. 
 Canfield, Harry L., 244. 
 Canfield, Henry Lovell, 324. 
 Canfield, Mary Grace, 128. 
 Carlile, Allan Douglas, 57. 
 Carr, Herbert W., 75. 
 Carter, John Wesley, 72. 
 Case, Carl D., Z3- 
 Chapin, E. H., 316. 
 Church, A. B., 77. 
 Clark, De Witt S., 51. 
 Clark, Francis E., 183. 
 Clark, Robert tBruce, 40. 
 Coates, Florence Earle, 306. 
 Coddington, I. P., 156. 
 Cole, Walter D„ 318. 
 Collier, Christopher W., no, 
 Colson, George W., 177. 
 Conger, E. L., 332. 
 Conklin, Abram, 214.
 
 &tttfjors of JJtasets 
 
 XXI 
 
 Conklin, Charles, 74. 
 Conklin, Eugene L., 190. 
 Conklin, Hazen, 112. 
 Conner, Ralph E., 174. 
 Conwell, Russell H., 35. 
 Coons, L. W., 89. 
 Couden, Henry N., 249. 
 Cowper, William, 46. 
 Cox, Sydney Herbert, 342. 
 Crandall, Lathan A., 42. 
 Crooker, Florence Kollock, 305. 
 Crooker, Joseph H., 130. 
 Crooker, Orin Edson, 127. 
 Curry, W. W., 50. 
 Cushman, Henry Irving, 173. 
 
 Danforth, Abbie E., 141. 
 
 Daniels, Charles H., 231. 
 
 Dean, John Marvin, 53. 
 
 Deland, Margaret, 358. 
 
 De Normandie, James, 343. 
 
 Dickerman, William Frederick, 115. 
 
 Dillingham, F. A., 133. 
 
 Dodge, J. Smith, 321. 
 
 Dodge, Mary Danforth, 142, 184. 
 
 Dole, Charles F., 223. 
 
 Dole, Walter, 254. 
 
 Dorchester, D., Jr., 345. 
 
 Drew, Edward Payson, 328. 
 
 Dunbar, Paul Laurence, 150. 
 
 Earle, Charles C, 246. 
 Eliot, Christopher R., 39. 
 Evans, Albert, 28. 
 Evans, John, 126. 
 
 Fagnani, Charles P., 52. 
 Fallows, Samuel, 168. 
 Faunce, W. H. P., 175. 
 Ferris, George H., 219. 
 Fisher, Caleb E., 149.
 
 xxn 
 
 ^tttfjotrs of JJvagers 
 
 Fisher, L. B., 268. 
 Fisher, Theodore A., 213. 
 Fisk, Richmond, in. 
 Fleischer, Charles, 360. 
 Foote, Henry Wilder, 59. 
 Forbes, Robert, 103. 
 Forbes, Roger S., 349. 
 Foster, John M., 208. 
 Frost, T. P., 191. 
 Frothingham, Paul Revere, 23. 
 
 Gardiner, Robert H., 204. 
 Geiger, Francis Moore, 248. 
 Gifford, O. P., 20. 
 Gilbert, Levi, 30. 
 Gill, Frederic, 18. 
 Gillies, Andrew, 260. 
 Goodell, C. L., 15. 
 Goodspeed, Frank L., 44. 
 Grant, Elihu, 107. 
 Grant, E. M., 296. 
 Gray, Clifton D., 367. 
 Greene, Ransom A., 92. 
 Grier, Albert C, 95. 
 Grose, Arthur Wilder, 170. 
 Gunnison, Almon, 105, 319. 
 
 Hager, Charles S., 292. 
 Hale, Harris G, 315. 
 Hall, Frank Oliver, 66. 
 Hamilton, Charles Elbert, 269. 
 Hamilton, Frederick W., 79. 
 Hamilton, George G., 91. 
 Hanley, Elijah A., 250. 
 Harmon, George M., 93. 
 Harris, Moses H., 320. 
 Haven, William I., 195. 
 Hayden, Charles A., 290. 
 Hendrix, E. R., 326. 
 Henry, Carl F., 4, 60. 
 Henson, Llewellyn L., 29. 
 Henson, P. S., 163.
 
 ^utijora of Erasers 
 
 Herben, Stephen J., 119. 
 
 Hervey, A. B., 285. 
 
 Hodder, Alfred W. H., 122. 
 
 Hodges, George, 124. 
 
 Holder), James Harry, 276. 
 
 Holmes, John Haynes, 359. 
 
 Holmes, Samuel V. V., 325. 
 
 Holyoke, Edward, 63. 
 
 Horton, Edward A., 264. 
 
 Howe, George M., 81. 
 
 Howe, Julia Ward, 188. 
 
 Howe, Reginald H., 176. 
 
 Hoyt, Wayland, 185. 
 
 Hughes, Edwin H., 84, 287. 
 
 Hughes, Matt. S., 261. 
 
 Hunnewell, Frank S., 329. 
 
 Hunter, John, 88. 
 
 Huntington, William E., 116. 
 
 Huntley, George E., 178. 
 
 Hyde, William De Witt, 189, 275, 280. 
 
 Iliffe, William Wallace, 131. 
 Illman, Thomas W., 303. 
 
 Jackson, Helen Hunt, 307. 
 Jefferson, Charles E., 157. 
 Johnson, Herbert S., 357. 
 Johnson, Virgil V., 134. 
 Johonnot, Rodney F., 159 
 Jones, Efne McCollum, 139. 
 
 Keeney, Frederick T., 229. 
 Keirn, G. I., 327. 
 Kelly, Claude, 295. 
 Kempis, Thomas a, 309. 
 Kent, George, 278. 
 Kidder, Louise Winslow, 151. 
 Kidner, Reuben, 227. 
 King, William Wirt, 118. 
 Kloss, Charles Luther, 220. 
 Knight, William A., 64.
 
 XXIV 
 
 ^utfjotrss of jpra^ers 
 
 Landrith, Ira, 145. 
 Lee, John Clarence, 354. 
 Leete, Frederick De Land,. 162. 
 Lemon, John B., 186. 
 Leonard, A. B., 47. 
 Leonard, Adna Wright, 347. 
 Littlefield, Arthur W., 114. 
 Lockwood, Frank C, 193. 
 Loomis, Samuel Lane, 8. 
 Lyon, William H., 86. 
 Lyons, Alexander, 207. 
 
 MacArthur, Robert Stuart, 258. 
 Macdonald, George, 259. 
 Macdonald, Loren B., 235. 
 MacDonald, Robert, 366. 
 MacQueen, Peter, 239. 
 Main, W. H., 14. 
 Martineau, James, 225, 274, 282. 
 Marvin, Dwight E., 233. 
 Marvin, Reignold K., 344. 
 Mason, Joseph K., 102. 
 Masseck, Frank Lincoln, 34. 
 Maxwell, H. D., 83. 
 McAfee, Cleland B., 49. 
 McAllister, Frank B., 82. 
 McCollester, Lee S., 363. 
 McConnell, Frank J., 123. 
 McGlauflin, William H., 209. 
 Mclntyre, Robert, 206. 
 McKenzie, Alexander, 58. 
 Mead, I. J., 203. 
 Mears, David O., 240. 
 Melden, Charles M., 277. 
 Merrick, Frank W., 99. 
 Miller, J. R„ 216. 
 Millburn, V. S., 339. 
 Mitchell, Charles Bayard, 7. 
 Mitchell, H. G., 293. 
 Mitchell, Stanford, 289. 
 Mitchell, William S., 346. 
 Moffat, James D., 197.
 
 SUttljors of JJragcrs 
 
 XXV 
 
 Moore, David H., 299. 
 Moore, Willis A., 228. 
 Myers, Cortland, 76. 
 
 Nash, C. Ellwood, 61, 94, 247, 351, 361. 
 Nash, Charles P., 148. 
 Nash, Henry S., 317. 
 North, Frank Mason, 90. 
 Noyes, Edward MacArthur, 265. 
 
 Opdale, Nellie Mann, 97. 
 Osgood, Edmund Q. S., 221. 
 
 Page, Frederick Harlan, 298. 
 Park, Charles E., 234. 
 Parker, Joseph, 194, 241. 
 Parker, Theodore, 271, 283. 
 Pattison, Harold, 255. 
 Perin, Florence H. f ^04. 
 
 Perin, George L., 3, 13, 21, 41, 55, 69, 104, 113, 135, 
 152, 165, 172, 215, 232, 252, 270, 284, 313, 338, 350. 
 Perrin, Willard T., 300. 
 Perkins, Frederic W., 181. 
 Perkins, O. Howard, 253. 
 Perry, George Powell, 257. 
 Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart, 31. 
 Piatt, W. D., 322. 
 Potter, Rockwell Harmon, 230. 
 Potterton, Thomas Edward, 210. 
 Powers, Le Grand, 48. 
 Priddy, Claude H., 17. 
 Priest, Ira A., 341. 
 Puffer, Charles H., 314, 355- 
 
 Quayle, William A., 10. 
 
 Randall, Edwin M., 171. 
 Rauschenbusch, Walter, Q. 
 Reifsnider, Edson, 199. 
 Reisner, Christian F., 331. 
 Rexford, E. L., 202.
 
 XXVI 
 
 ^tttfjorsi of JJrasetrs 
 
 Rice, Clarence E., 222. 
 Rider, William H., 129. 
 Roblin, Stephen Herbert, 24. 
 Rose, Henry R., 187. 
 Rowley, Francis H., 87. 
 Rowland, A. J., 136. 
 Rugg, Henry W, 251. 
 Rust, Charles H., 211. 
 
 Sahlin, George A., 98. 
 
 Sargent, Orisen C, 266. 
 
 Saunders, Edward B., 158. 
 
 Savage, Minot J., 78, 108, 153, 161, 333. 
 
 Saville, Henry Martyn, 165. 
 
 Scott, Winfield, 302. 
 
 Secrist, Henry T., 25. 
 
 Selleck, William Chamberlain, 96. 
 
 Shepard, William O., 36. 
 
 Shurtleff, Alfred D. K., 26. 
 
 Shutter, Marion D., 45. 
 
 Simms, Thomas, 336 
 
 Sheer, Thomas R., 155. 
 
 Smith, Edwin R., 263. 
 
 Spencer, James H., 22. 
 
 Stackpole, Everett S., 6. 
 
 Stalker, Arthur W., 38. 
 
 Stansfield, Joshua, 201. 
 
 Stetson, Charlotte Perkins, 365. 
 
 Stowe, Charles E., 166. 
 
 Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 140. 
 
 Stuart, Charles M., 160. 
 
 Sweetser, Edwin C, 67. 
 
 Swift, Clarence F., 101. 
 
 Sykes, Richard E., 273. 
 
 Taylor, Frederick E., 279. 
 Tenney, Charles R., 308, 362. 
 Tippy, Worth M., 335. 
 Thirkield, Wilbur P., 364. 
 Thoburn, James M., 262. 
 Thoburn, J. M., 217. 
 Tompkins, De Loss M., 144.
 
 &utijors of Dragtrg 
 
 XXVll 
 
 Van Dyke, Henry, n. 
 Vannevar, John, 65. 
 Van Ness, Thomas, 297. 
 Vernon, Ambrose W., 106. 
 Virgin, Samuel H., 121. 
 
 Wadsworth, Julian S., 301. 
 Wallace, O. C. S., 337- 
 Wallace, John J., 340. 
 Watson, Charles H., 43. 
 Weeden, Charles F., 117. 
 Welch, Herbert, 137. 
 Wells, Newell Woolsey, 267. 
 Weston, Costello, 179. 
 Wheeler, C. H., 334. 
 Willett, Herbert L., 169. 
 Wilson, Joseph Kennard, 353. 
 Woodbridge, Warren S., 192. 
 Wright, Richard, 200. 
 Wylie, David G., 294. 
 
 Young, Joshua, 154, 323.
 
 €^e WpttmteW dSooD jljtgtyt
 
 3Jamtarg i 
 
 With outstretched hand and eager heart, I shall meet 
 the New Tear like a messenger of God come to bring 
 me good news. I shall not be afraid as if he were come 
 to spy upon my actions; I shall not question him as 
 if I doubted his veracity; I shall not distrust him 
 as if he bore a poisoned chalice, for then were he to 
 me no messenger of God. The years have all been good, 
 but this year shall be the best of all because the very 
 latest word from Htm who loves me. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, it is good for us to start 
 upon the year's journey with hope and .with noble 
 resolution. Let us not be dismayed by any conscious- 
 ness of failure in the past. This is a new year, and 
 Thou art still with us. Give us vision to see a better 
 way; give us strength to carry our resolutions into 
 actions. O, may life seem real, may work be to us a 
 constant joy. Renew our strength from day to day, 
 quicken and deepen our faith, enrich our lives that 
 this may be to us the best of all the years. In this 
 mood of faith, we would lie down to rest on the 
 evening of the first day. May faith make our sleep 
 sweet. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 $mwv& 2 
 
 I asked the New Tear for some motto sweet, 
 Some rule of life with which to guide my feet. 
 I asked and paused. He answered soft and low: 
 God's will to know." 
 
 Will knowledge, then, suffice, New Tear ? " / cried; 
 And ere the question into silence died 
 The answer came: " Nay, but remember, too, 
 God's will to do." 
 
 Once more I asked: " Is there no more to tell ? " 
 And once again the answer softly fell: 
 
 Tes; this one thing, all other things above — 
 God's will to love." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we would close the day with 
 Thee who dost guard and guide us all the way. We 
 thank Thee for that wise goodness that has attended 
 us all the years and which, we are certain, will go 
 with us into this new year that waits veiled before. 
 We know not what the future holds, but we face it 
 confidently because it is Thine and we also are Thine. 
 Give to us, we pray, the courage and cheer of perfect 
 faith, and teach us all, O God, in this new year to 
 do and love Thy holy will that we may have the 
 freedom of truth, the peace of obedience, and the joy 
 of loving Thee. Protect us through the night, O 
 Lord, and may the morning find us ready for our 
 work and Thine. Amen. 
 
 Carl F. Henry.
 
 Salutary 3 
 
 Life shall be richer in you more and more, 
 And each New Tear, far surer than before, 
 
 The soul in you shall find, 
 
 Responsive to her sight, 
 
 Resource of H eat t and Mind — 
 
 Her treasure-trove of might 
 
 That each Day's need had sought, 
 
 With each new Sun divined, 
 
 Full ready to be wrought/ 
 
 Her mystic rod of light 
 Shall tremble and dip down to your pure ore, 
 And show it waiting secretly and true, 
 A mine of unsuspected gold in you! 
 Th£ sensitive witch-hazel of each sun, 
 
 Sparkling the darkling mood, 
 Shall find your Fairy Gold, and make it one 
 
 With all your life holds good ! 
 
 Charlotte Porter. 
 
 O God! We know that Thou wilt send us no 
 night in which there is no star of hope. May we ever 
 look for the light which shines from above, and is 
 the reflection of Thine own goodness. Give us the 
 vision of the open heaven, and make our lives radiant 
 with its divine glory. Help us to see that the clearest 
 revelation of Thyself is found in our own Christ-like 
 lives. Grant to us the power to become what Thou 
 art in love and character; and when at last the sun 
 shall set to rise no more, take us to Thyself, where 
 an immortal dawn may kiss our souls away into an 
 eternal life. Amen. 
 
 William W. Bustard.
 
 3$autt*r£ 4 
 
 Love that asketb love again 
 Finds the barter naught but pain; 
 Love that giveth in full store 
 Aye receives as much and more. 
 
 Love, exacting nothing back, 
 Never knoweth any lack; 
 Love, compelling love to pay, 
 Sees him bankrupt every day. 
 
 Michael Field. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate Thy 
 love in the many good things that have come to us 
 today and to see Thy kindness intended in all things. 
 Forgive us if we have not spent the day in self-for- 
 getful service of others. Even in toil and pain for 
 others let us have joy. Help us to remember that life 
 is worth to us and to the world just the amount 
 of good we do. Let tomorrow be better than today. 
 May love sweeten our tones and brighten our faces. 
 Let the grasp of our hands convey healing to some 
 soul. May all our words be kind and our acts helpful. 
 So shall we have rest and peace and strength. Let 
 us live as well as we pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 
 
 Everett S. Stackpole.
 
 Sanitary 5 
 
 / have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, 
 the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God 
 governs in the affairs of men. Franklin. 
 
 For us the winds do blow; 
 
 The earth doth rest, heaven move, and fountains flow. 
 
 Nothing we see but means our good, 
 
 As our delight, or as our treasure: 
 The whole is either our cupboard of food 
 
 Or cabinet of pleasure. 
 
 George Herbert. 
 
 We return this night to Thy heart, O God, our 
 Father, like children come home when the darkness 
 comes on. This daywe have been kept by Thy bounty, 
 and sustained by Thy grace. All day long we have 
 been bathed in Thy goodness. For us the birds have 
 sung their sweetest songs: for us the flowers have 
 bloomed, and the very air has vibrated with music. 
 Thou hast come to us on all sides bearing gifts. 
 Thou hast strengthened us by our trials. Thou hast 
 purified us by our sorrows. Thou hast given us sym- 
 pathy through our sorrows. We are glad that we 
 have been alive in this beautiful world today. It 
 has been a joy to breathe and think and feel; our 
 daily toil has been like a sacrament, for work is sweet 
 when God is nigh. Forgive us our sins for we have 
 been wayward children; Thy goodness leads us to 
 repentance. Keep us through the night, as Thou hast 
 through the day. We lie down in peace, knowing 
 that if we never know another day, we will have no 
 cause for complaint. Accept our love and gratitude 
 in Jesus' name. Amen. 
 
 Charles Bayard Mitchell.
 
 3Umtat£ 6 
 
 Opportunity 
 
 They do me wrong who say I come no more 
 When once I knock and fail to find you in; 
 For every day I stand outside your door, 
 And bid you wake, and rise to fight and win. 
 Wail not for precious chances passed away; 
 Weep not for golden ages on the wane; 
 Each night I burn the records of the day: — 
 At sunrise every soul is born again. 
 Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped; 
 To vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb; 
 My judgments seal the dead past with its dead 
 But never bind a moment yet to come! 
 
 Walter Malone. 
 
 We come to Thee, O Lord, at nightfall and, for an 
 evening offering, present our day. This, truly, is no 
 unblemished gift — is far from what we wish it were and 
 meant it to have been; yet, as Thou knowest, we have 
 tried to do well. Count the will for the deed, Great 
 Friend! Correct the faults, overlook the follies, for- 
 give the sins: and whatever Thou canst find herein 
 of honest service, receive it with our love. We thank 
 Thee for perpetual discontent and that Thou ever 
 shinest before us with both hope and promise of 
 better things to come. Take, therefore, the best 
 we can offer tonight, and out of tomorrow, by Thy 
 help, we'll build Thee a better day. 
 
 Samuel Lane Loomis.
 
 Sfamtarg 7 
 
 / lay me down to sleep 
 
 With little thought or care 
 Whether my waking find 
 
 Me here or there. 
 A bowing, burdened head 
 
 That only asks to rest 
 Unquestioning, upon 
 
 A loving breast. 
 
 My good right hand forgets 
 
 Its cunning now; 
 To march the weary march 
 
 I know not how. 
 My half day's work is done, 
 
 And this is all my part, 
 I give a patient God 
 
 My patient heart. 
 
 Mary Woolsev Howland. 
 
 My body and brain are weary, Father, and crave 
 their rest. Thou hast given strength for the day, 
 but the day's tasks have used it up. Of all the brave 
 purposes of the morning only a few have found their 
 fulfillment and even these few but haltingly and 
 brokenly. I have not to boast before Thee, but I do 
 not fear Thy face. Thou knowest all things, and 
 Thy name is Love. My day's work with its success 
 and its failures, my day's life with its joys and sorrows 
 I lay at Thy feet, and lean back on Thee, Thou 
 eternal rest and refuge of my soul. Now grant my 
 soul Thy peace and my body Thy sleep, and to- 
 morrow I shall rise and by Thy grace do better. 
 Amen. 
 
 Walter Rauschenbusch.
 
 io Sfamtars 8 
 
 Our lives are full of odds and ends; 
 First one and then another — 
 And though we know not how or when, 
 They're deftly wove together. 
 
 The weaver has a master s skill, 
 
 And proves it by this token, - — ■ 
 
 No loop is dropped, no strand is missed, 
 
 And not a thread is broken. 
 
 Not e'en a shred is thrown aside, 
 So careful is the weaver, 
 Who pining all with wondrous skill, 
 Weaves odds and ends together. 
 
 Aubrey de Vere. 
 
 Thou, Lord, who weavest sky and lands and leaf 
 of tree and flower, and the stranger weft of human 
 souls, give ear unto our prayer. We are Thy flowers, 
 Thy skies, Thy seas, always and gladly Thine. We 
 laud Thy holy name that Thou art so set into our 
 lives and that Thou hast set Thy heart upon our lives. 
 We are precious in Thy sight. Thou hast a pattern 
 of rare devising which Thou designest to weave 
 into the fabric of each soul of woman and of man. 
 Have Thy way with us, O God. May we not mar 
 what Thou wouldst weave. Take time and care 
 and spare not the thread so be we come out of Thy 
 loom, Divine tapestries on the which, when Thou 
 dost cast Thine eyes, Thou shalt be glad and from Thy 
 lips shall fall a word of praise. Amen. 
 
 William A. Quayle.
 
 Stonttarg o ii 
 
 Over a broad open plain there blows a strong, steady 
 wind. It never stops, it never changes. All over the 
 plain there are men and women on their journeys. 
 Hear them cry out. " This wind, this dreadful 
 wind!" cries one, all out of breath, and gasping. 
 " How bitter it is, how cruel, how it hates me!" 
 This wind, this blessed wind!" cries another, within 
 hail of him. " How kind it is, how helpful, how it 
 loves me ! " Are there two winds, or has the one fickle 
 wind its favourites ? No, the one constant wind is 
 blowing steadily and is no respecter of persons; but 
 one man has set his face against it and the other man 
 is walking with it. 
 
 Phillips Brooks. 
 
 Lord of the wind and wave, by whose unchanging 
 law nature is governed, help me to journey bravely 
 through Thy world. I ask no more that Thou 
 shouldst turn the tide and the breeze to favour 
 me, for Thou hast other ships upon the sea, and 
 other pilgrims on the earth, whose ways are not 
 mine. But give me a heart to take the weather as 
 it comes; and whether I must face the gale or travel 
 with the wind, teach me to go forward steadily and 
 cheerfully, and bring me home at last for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 Henry van Dyke.
 
 12 
 
 3Jatutarg 10 
 
 Do you sometimes feel that you're running down, 
 That life is a bubble, a darksome frown, 
 
 With nothing but bitters within your cup? 
 Look out on the broad and boundless sea, 
 And let your spirit go roving free, 
 Afar from your thoughts of misery. 
 Cheer up! 
 
 Do you sometimes feel that your nerves are wrecked, 
 And with wish to do that you cannot act; 
 
 Do you dream by night of your epitaph? 
 Look out on the fair and gracious sky, 
 And list to the bird notes sounding high, 
 And there let your unleashed spirit fly, 
 And laugh. 
 
 John Kendrick Bangs. 
 
 We thank Thee, O Father, for Thy blessed promise 
 that at evening time it shall be light. Help us to re- 
 member, when shadows lengthen and cares mul- 
 tiply that at evening time it shall be light. Bring 
 us in again, O Father, to faith and cheer. Bind up 
 for us the raveled sleeve of care; and grant us to 
 receive, and help us to radiate, the light of Thy 
 presence as revealed in Jesus Christ our Savior; for 
 Thy Name's sake. Amen. 
 
 Fred Winslow Adams.'
 
 3Famtarg n 13 
 
 Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep, 
 
 Come to my blankets and come to my bed, 
 Come to my legs and my arms and my bead, 
 
 Over me, under me, into me creep. 
 
 Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep, 
 
 Blow on my face like a soft breath of air, 
 Lay your cool hand on my forehead and hair, 
 
 Carry me down through the dream-waters deep. 
 
 Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep, 
 
 Tell me the secrets that you alone know, 
 Show me the wonders none other can show, 
 
 Open the box w.here your treasures you keep. 
 
 Sleep, Sleep, come to me, Sleep, 
 
 Softly I call you; as soft and as slow 
 Come to me, cuddle me, stay with me so, 
 
 Stay till the dawn is beginning to peep. 
 
 Henry Johnstone. 
 
 Our Father in Heaven, as we lie down to-night 
 tired but not discouraged, we thank Thee for the 
 strange mysterious renewal that comes from sleep. 
 In some magic way, the how of which we do not know, 
 Thou pourest out Thy Spirit upon us while we are 
 unconscious. It enters into our hearts and minds, 
 into our veins and blood, and behold we awake 
 refreshed and strong for a new day. Be Thou with 
 us while we sleep tonight. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 i 4 3famt*r£ 12 
 
 One of the sweet old chapters, 
 
 After a day like this. 
 The day brought tears and troubles, 
 
 The evening brings no kiss, 
 Nor rest in the arms I long for, — 
 
 Rest and refuge and home, 
 Grieved and lonely and weary, 
 
 Unto the book I come. 
 
 One of the sweet old chapters, — 
 
 The love that blossoms through 
 His care of the birds and lilies 
 
 Out in the meadow dew. 
 His evening lies soft around them, 
 
 Their faith is only to be; 
 Ah I hushed by the tender lesson, 
 
 My God, let me rest in Thee ! 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for every- 
 thing Thou dost send into our lives. We thank Thee 
 for the Blessed Book and what it teaches us. It 
 soothes our sorrows, dries our tears and comforts our 
 hearts. Thy word reveals Thyself to us, and thus 
 we may know God; it reveals Jesus Christ to us, 
 thus may we have a Saviour. It reveals the Holy 
 Spirit to us and thus may we be enlightened. Blessed 
 Word! It is our refuge, our guide, our inspiration. 
 With it we can never be alone, for our Father speaks 
 to us. May we now and always rest in Thee. Watch 
 over us this night and all nights, tomorrow and all 
 tomorrows, until days and nights blend into one 
 blessed eternity of joy with Thee. Amen. 
 
 W. H. Main.
 
 3Umtari> 13 15 
 
 Be strong to hope, Heart! 
 
 Though day is bright, 
 The stars can only shine 
 
 In the dark night. 
 Be strong, O Heart of mine, 
 
 Look towards the light! 
 
 Be strong to love, Heart ! 
 
 Love knows not wrong; 
 Didst thou love, creatures even, 
 
 Life were not long; 
 Didst thou love God in Heaven, 
 
 Thou would st be strong. 
 
 Adelaide A. Procter. 
 
 Father of Lights, with whom can be no variation 
 neither shadow that is cast by turning, we lift our 
 hearts to Thee. The lights in our skies come and go; 
 but however moons may wane and stars hide under 
 the clouds, may the twin stars of hope and love never 
 fail us. Give us hope for the causes and the men 
 that seem most hopeless and may we never cease our 
 toil in their behalf. Grant that we may never be 
 quite hopeless concerning ourselves whatever our 
 ill desert. We have attempted little and failed much. 
 Forgive us. Grant us the love of our kind if it may 
 be, but give us above all to realize the love which 
 brings heaven to earth. Amen. 
 
 C. L. Goodell.
 
 16 3JitlTttatJ? 14 
 
 There was a great fire in the pit. It was built with 
 toil, and it was fierce, and bright. Huge logs blazed up 
 heating each other, and the fiames roared hungrily. 
 On the edge of the pit, beyond the fire, a fagot had been 
 thrown. No one saw it. The outside of it was charred 
 and cold. But its heart glowed. It was a little fagot. 
 The great fire went out, for all its fuel was consumed. 
 The air grew damp and chill. There came a wind 
 from God and the fire in the little fagot waked. Slowly 
 a wreath of smoke curled out, slowly a little tongue 
 pushed up, and the fagot burst into flame. Softly the 
 flame crept through the grass; it touched a tree and 
 vaulted wildly up — the forest was afire, and its bright- 
 ness lighted up the World. The little fagot burned 
 out, like the great fire. No one noticed it. Its fuel 
 was consumed. 
 
 Bolton Hall. 
 
 Mysterious Life, Who art not far from any one of us, 
 we would be conscious of Thy presence everywhere. 
 As the day and its toil recede may its tumult cease in 
 us. Be near us as we turn from labor, and from 
 our hearthstone contemplate all the manifold activi- 
 ties of life. Remind us of Thy everlasting care. 
 Cover with the shadow of thy wing. Brood us as a 
 mother does her child. Sing us to sleep with music 
 such as angels sung, of Thy good will to men. Thus, 
 even while we sleep may sparks of vestal fire burn low 
 within our souls, until when morning comes again 
 and men go forth unto their labors they will light their 
 fires of love and devotion from our deathless flame. 
 Amen. 
 
 Frederick W. Betts.
 
 3Jauuav£ 15 17 
 
 God builds the blind bird's nest; 
 
 Will He not build for me 
 A home of sheltering love and rest, 
 
 From worldly tumult free ? 
 
 No bird more blind than I; 
 
 The tiniest, tenderest wing 
 Through unknown space doth safely fly, 
 
 Unawed, unquestioning. 
 
 The poor blind bird and I, 
 
 Thy children both are we; 
 Build Thou for her, nor, Lord, deny 
 
 Thy nest of peace to me ! 
 
 Zitella Cocke. 
 
 It is true, Father, that the mystery of Thy uni- 
 verse deepens with the growth of mind. Though 
 the foundation standeth sure as the more certain 
 conviction of reason, yet the necklace of the sky, 
 with its millions of shining suns, the terrifying 
 forces about unknown and uncontrolled, bewilder 
 us in our larger hopes until with the Psalmist we 
 gasp " What is man that Thou art mindful of him ? " 
 Stretch forth Thy hand, Father, that in the shadows 
 of this evening's twilight, I may feel for the Presence 
 I cannot see. Give to Thy beloved in sleep, that 
 with the morning light the soul of Thy servant may 
 catch the rhythmic music of Thy world, and join the 
 trustful little songsters at the window in their opening 
 hymn of praise. Amen. 
 
 Claude H. Priddy.
 
 January \o 
 
 There are persons who have an impediment of speech, 
 so that the thoughts that shape themselves in the brain 
 are smothered there, and can never be born in fitting 
 utterance. There are many who have an impediment 
 in life. A something wanting — withheld — that 
 hinders the inner existence from flowering out into 
 visible fact and deed. Flowers it not somewhere? Is 
 there not building somewhere, all the while, that which 
 God hath reserved for them from the foundation of the 
 world ? 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we bring to Thee the deep needs 
 of our hearts. We pray not for the removal of the 
 mysteries of our lives, nor for answers to the questions 
 we often ask. We seek for better knowledge of Thee, 
 the God of all hope: we would feel Thy presence 
 and receive Thy benediction, to the end that, when 
 failure and disappointment are ours, when our at- 
 tainments come far short of our ideals, when again 
 and again we are defeated and humbled, we shall 
 be saved from discouragement, the consecration of our 
 lives shall be strengthened, and we shall with good 
 heart be faithful to our high calling. Thus may we be 
 cheered and sustained by the hope that is in thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 Frederic Gill.
 
 Sauttarj? 17 19 
 
 Ah, never sank a sinning soul so low, 
 But God's paternal band could deeper go 
 His perishing child to save. 
 
 Though shipwrecked by sin's overwhelming weight, 
 God's hand has rescued from as hard a fate 
 Some other castaway. 
 
 How shall I set a limit to His grace, 
 How dare I cloud the glory of His face? — 
 
 Abide His time; have faith through weary days 
 That at the last each soul shall sing His praise 
 Who moulds the hearts of men. 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 O Thou, who seest and knowest all hearts, Thou 
 hast witnessed the strife and the trials of the day now 
 spent. Thou knowest the disappointments and the 
 sense of failure and of shame with which we come to 
 its close, and remember how we have come short 
 of the resolve and the desire of the morning, and have 
 sinned against the goodness and the love which gave 
 us a day more of life and of opportunity. Be patient 
 with us, Lord, and help us to be patient with our- 
 selves, and to wait in simple faith, and in unshaken 
 purpose, the day of fulfilment and of triumph, when 
 Thou shalt conquer in and with our souls. Amen. 
 
 John Coleman Adams.
 
 20 
 
 $&nmv£ 18 
 
 He had his dream, and all through life, 
 Worked up to it through toil and strife. 
 Afloat fore'er before his eyes, 
 It colored for him all his skies: 
 
 The storm-cloud dark 
 
 Above his bark, 
 The calm and listless vault of blue 
 Took on its hopeful hue, 
 It tinctured every passing beam — 
 
 He had his dream. 
 
 He labored hard and failed at last, 
 His sails too weak to bear the blast, 
 The raging tempests tore away 
 And sent his beating bark astray. 
 
 But what cared he 
 
 For wind or sea ! 
 He said, " The tempest will be short, 
 My bark will come to port." 
 He saw through every cloud a gleam — ■ 
 
 He had his dream. 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar. 
 
 Father of light, with whom is no variableness, 
 neither shadow caused by turning, we dwell amid 
 shifting shadows, the earth turns and we are in dark- 
 ness, with the darkness comes sleep, and with sleep, 
 dreams. May the dreams of the night give courage 
 for the day. The night reveals the depths of space, 
 and teaches eternity, may the dreams of the night 
 broaden our horizon, and gird us with strength to 
 bear burdens and face storms when the world seems 
 narrow and heart and flesh fail us, for Thy name's 
 sake, Amen. 
 
 O. P. Gifford.
 
 Slamtcirj? 19 21 
 
 The fire upon the hearth is low, 
 And there is stillness everywhere, 
 While winged spirits here and there, 
 The firelight shadows muttering go, 
 And as the shadows round me creep, 
 A childish treble breaks the gloom, 
 And softly from the further room 
 Comes " Now I lay me down to sleep." 
 
 And somehow, with that little prayer, 
 And that sweet treble in my ears, 
 My thoughts go back to distant years, 
 And linger with the loved ones there; 
 And so I hear my child's " amen," 
 My mother's faith comes back to me, 
 Crouched at her side I seem to be, 
 And mother holds my hands again. 
 
 Oh, for an hour in that dear place! 
 Oh, for the peace of that dear time! 
 Oh, for that childish trust sublime! 
 Oh, for a glimpse of mother's face! 
 Yet as the shadows round me creep, 
 I do not seem to be alone — 
 Magic sweet, of that treble tone, 
 And " Now I lay me down to sleep." 
 
 Eugene Field. 
 
 Our heavenly Father, by the magic of memory, 
 we are carried back through the years to the sweet 
 experience when, enfolded in arms of love, we learned 
 the mystery of the divine love, through the beauty and 
 the joy of mother love. While the years recede, let 
 our trust in Thee abide. Amen. 
 
 George L. Peein.
 
 22 Samtari? 20 
 
 There is no joy, — there is no beauty, — there is no 
 glory of living or of acting, — no supreme moment 
 you can picture in your dreams, that is not in your life, 
 as God sees it, — stirring in the intuition you have of 
 it now, — waiting for you in the glorious fulfilment 
 that shall be There! 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 This infinite universe is unfathomable, inconceivable, 
 in its whole; every human creature must slowly spell 
 out, and long contemplate, such part of it as may be 
 possible for him to reach; then set forth what he has 
 learned of it for those beneath him, extricating it from 
 infinity, as one gathers a violet out of the grass. 
 
 John Ruskin. 
 
 Eternal and infinite God, Thou hast made us as like 
 Thyself as finiteness can be to infinity. Thou hast 
 poured Thyself into us with no more measure than our 
 littleness required. There is that in us which is greater 
 than ourselves, and it cries out in us with longings 
 which cannot be uttered. Help us to remember that 
 these yearnings are the inspiration of Thine own 
 Spirit in us, and earnests of the glorious fulfillment 
 which is one day to be. Truly we know not what we 
 shall be then, but such Spirit-kindled hopes assure 
 us we shall be like Thee. Of this grant us daily to 
 possess the further witness of an increasing habit 
 of Heavenly living now. Amen. 
 
 James H. Spencer.
 
 SJamtarg 21 23 
 
 We shall do so much in the years to come, 
 
 But what have we done today ? 
 We shall give out gold in a princely sum, 
 
 But what did we give today? 
 We shall lift the heart and dry the tear, 
 We shall plant a hope in place of fear, 
 We shall speak with words of love and cheer, 
 
 But what have we done today? 
 
 We shall be so kind in the afterwhile, 
 
 But what have we been today ? 
 We shall bring to each lonely life a smile, 
 
 But what have we brought today ? 
 We shall give to truth a grander birth, 
 And to steadfast faith a deeper worth, 
 We shall feed the hungering souls of earth, 
 
 But whom have we fed today ? 
 
 Nixon Waterman. 
 
 O Thou, who dost give the day for labor and the 
 night for rest, help us to work Thy works while yet 
 the day time lasteth, that when the night shuts in 
 around us we may rest in Thee. Teach us, we pray 
 Thee, and help us, to do Thy will not with eye- 
 service but heartily; not as those who shrink from 
 service, but as those who find their joy in duties done. 
 One by one as opportunities present themselves for 
 kindness, for helpfulness, for generosity, may we take 
 and use them to the glory of Thy holy name, and the 
 building up of Thy great kingdom on the Earth. 
 Amen. 
 
 Paul Revere Frothingham.
 
 24 $anuzvg 22 
 
 Is there anything that pleases you more than to be 
 trusted, — to have even a little child look up into your 
 face, and put out its hand to meet yours, and come 
 to you confidingly? By so much as God is better than 
 you are, by so much more does he love to be trusted. . . . 
 There is a hand stretched out to you, — a hand with 
 a wound in the palm of it. Reach out the hand of your 
 faith to clasp it, and cling to it, for without faith it is 
 impossible to please God. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Father Divine, we come to Thee as the night falls 
 about us with confiding trustful hearts. Qnly so can 
 we find the mood of peace which gives repose and help- 
 ful rest. Thou knowest our sins and our sufferings 
 but Thou knowest also the good we long for and the 
 sunshine in our souls, and so according to our needs 
 we are sure Thy blessing will rest upon us in disci- 
 pline, or uplift, in peace or stress; but whatever it 
 be we know it is for our greatest good. Then not as 
 
 Infants crying in the night and with no language 
 but a cry " but children looking into the face of 
 Father, Friend, Helper Divine, we come to praise and 
 to adore. Amen. 
 
 Stephen Herbert Roblln.
 
 3famtarg 23 25 
 
 By one great Heart, the universe is stirred; 
 
 By its strong pulse, stars climb the darkening blue; 
 
 It throbs in each fresh sunset's changing hue, 
 And thrills through low sweet song of every bird : 
 
 By It, the plunging blood reds all mens veins; 
 
 Joy feels that Heart against his rapturous own, 
 And on It, Sorrow breathes her sharpest groan; 
 
 It bounds through gladnesses and deepest pains. 
 
 "Tis felt in sunshine greening the soft sod, 
 In children's smiling, as in mother's tears; 
 And, for strange comfort, through the aching years, 
 
 Men's hungry souls have named that great Heart, God ! 
 
 Margaret Deland. 
 
 And now, O God, Our God, we would do more 
 than speak about Thee; we would speak to Thee. 
 We would do more than hear about Thee, we would 
 listen directly to Thee in the intimate communion 
 of our prayer. Speak to us the word which is best for 
 us and we shall try to be willing to listen to it and 
 receive it. We pray to Thee out of our needs; fill 
 our emptiness with Thy power and love. We pray 
 to Thee out of the fulness of our souls; help us to 
 appreciate it and consecrate it for ourselves and others. 
 Thou hast indeed been much to the world and to many; 
 be much to us now and here. As in the earnestness of 
 labor, so in the quietness of rest be our divine parent; 
 and let us work and rest under Thy strong and kind 
 protection. Amen. 
 
 Henry T. Secrist.
 
 26 3Jamtarg 24 
 
 Be still and sleep, my soul ! 
 Now gentle footed Night 
 In softly shadowed stole 
 Hides all the world from sight. 
 
 Thou hast no need to wake. 
 Thou art no sentinel, 
 Love all the care will take 
 And wisdom watch eth well. 
 
 Wake not, weep not, but rest. 
 The stars in silence roll 
 On the world's mother breast. 
 Be still and sleep, my soul! 
 
 Edward Rowland Sill. 
 
 My Father, as a little child rests in its mother's 
 arms, so would we rest this night in Thee who art 
 the mother and father of all who live. Help us to be 
 still; to put aside every anxious or troubled thought, 
 committing our spirits into Thy keeping as did the 
 Master and like Him finding mind and heart filled 
 with the peace of God which passeth understanding. 
 In quietness and confidence has been our strength 
 all through the day; in quietness and confidence we 
 now lay down to sleep; assured that it is well with us 
 and with all whom we love, because Thou art with 
 all. We feel Thine everlasting arms beneath us, they 
 will cradle us all through the night. Amen. 
 
 Alfred D. K. Shurtleff.
 
 Stomtarg 25 27 
 
 " #/</ me come" said Peter. " Come" said Christ. 
 Peter went as jar as his little faith would carry him; 
 he also cried as far as his little faith would help : 
 " Lord, save me; I perish; " and so with coming and 
 crying he was kept from sinking, though he had but 
 little faith. Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught 
 him, and said unto him, " thou of little faith, where- 
 fore didst thou doubt? " 
 
 BUNYAN. 
 
 God's law for the ascending dove and for the Ascend- 
 ing soul is identical. It is the law of overcoming resist- 
 ance. It is in the strong gale that the white-winged sea- 
 gull can soar without moving her wings; the force of 
 gravity that would draw her downwards is counteracted 
 by the force of the air striking against her wings. The 
 one thing needful is right attitude. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Heavenly Father, since Thou hast called us chil- 
 dren, and put the arms of Thy providence about us, 
 nourished us, and comforted us in times of trouble, 
 we will trust in Thee, and live in that faith far beyond 
 our understanding of Thy ways. We cannot per- 
 ceive the mystery of life; but we believe in Thee, and 
 that Thou art not only all that is best in men, out of all 
 proportion to any experience of men, but that Thou 
 art a being of attribute and of character such as no 
 man can understand in this state. Be thou a refuge 
 to us tonight. Let our souls fly to Thee as doves to 
 their windows. Let Thy heart be the pavilion in 
 which we are placed until all storms are past. Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 28 3temtarg 26 
 
 / sailed away on a sea of dreams, 
 
 In a boat of fancy's building, 
 And my oars were rays from the brightest beams 
 
 Of a summer sunset's gilding; 
 And I steered my boat over wavelets fair 
 By a red cloud rudder reflected there, — 
 
 Away from petty cares and ties, 
 
 Away from the round of duty, 
 To the limitless sweep of radiant skies, 
 
 And the reach of boundless beauty. 
 And I brought my boat to an island green, 
 Where gladness reigns o'er a realm supreme. 
 
 Then back to earth — for one may not stay 
 
 On the Isle of Gladness ever, 
 But I brought my boat from its strand away 
 
 To shine on my life endeavor. 
 And this gem of hope in the darkness gleams 
 Like my sunbright oars on the Sea of Dreams. 
 
 W. F. Merrill. 
 
 Most merciful Father, let the dreams and visions 
 of joy and gladness dispel the discouragements arising 
 from the disappointments and failures of the day. 
 Let the ideal take the place of the imperfect real. 
 Let hope for the morrow possess us lest the memory of 
 today or yesterday crush us. Whether joy or sorrow, 
 let us find life's highest purpose realized in obedience 
 to Thee and service to our fellows in Thy name. Amen. 
 
 Albert Evans.
 
 Sfamtarj? 27 
 
 Doubt shrouds mans path in fog and mist, 
 Yet God's revealments still persist. 
 And he who follows, day by day, 
 The best he meets upon the way 
 Shall ever climb, and ever learn 
 The truer good at every turn, 
 Until his feet are given wings 
 To haste toward eternal things, 
 And reach at last, upon the height, 
 The glory of unclouded Light. 
 
 Priscilla Leonard. 
 
 O Thou loving Father, heed our cry. Sometimes 
 our faith falters and our love seems almost to lapse. 
 In a moment of melancholy with Thomas of old, we 
 almost say, " We will not believe." Forgive us, our 
 Father. Lead us through the portals of love out 
 into the field of faith. Dissolve the doubt of fog and 
 mist and so reveal Thyself to our blinded eyes that 
 we can in joy exclaim, " Our Lord and our God." 
 And if we cannot see, may we know the greater bless- 
 ing which comes to those who " have not seen and 
 yet have believed." Amen. 
 
 Llewellyn L. Henson.
 
 3o 3*amtarg 28 
 
 // you have a song to sing, 
 
 Sing it now. 
 Let the notes of gladness ring 
 Clear as song of birds in spring, 
 Let every day some music bring; 
 
 Sing it now. 
 
 If you have kind words to say, 
 
 Say them now. 
 Tomorrow may not come your way, 
 Do a kindness while you may, 
 Loved ones will not always stay, 
 
 Say them now. 
 
 If you have a smile to show, 
 
 Show it now. 
 Make hearts happy, roses grow, 
 Let the friends around you know 
 The love you have before they go; 
 
 Show it now. 
 
 Charles R. Skinner. 
 
 O God, Thou art the God of all joy and of all 
 love. Thou hast made all things in heaven and earth 
 after the beauty of Thine own image, and infinitely 
 multiplied the sources of happiness. Help us to drink 
 in through every pore of our beings the brightness, 
 buoyancy and inspiration with which the universe 
 is filled, dissipating gloom and despondency in our- 
 selves and others, and filling the world with rejoicing 
 and rapture. So may our souls and all souls rise above 
 depression and pessimism into self-confidence, elation 
 and victory. And thus may the eventide of our lives 
 bring us to rest and peace! Amen. 
 
 Levi Gilbert.
 
 3famiarg 29 31 
 
 Dear restless heart, be still! Don't fret and worry so; 
 God hath a thousand ways His love and help to show; 
 Just trust and trust and trust until His will you know. 
 
 Dear restless heart, be still; for peace is God's own 
 
 smile, 
 His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile. 
 "Just love and love and love and calmly wait awhile. 
 
 Dear restless heart, be brave ! Don't moan and sorrow 
 
 so. 
 Just hope and hope and hope until you braver grow, 
 He hath a meaning kind in the chilly winds that blow. 
 
 Edith Willis Linn. 
 
 Take unto Thyself, O Father! 
 
 This folded day of Thine, 
 
 This weary day of mine; 
 Its ragged corners cut me yet. 
 Oh, still the jar and fret! 
 Father, do not forget 
 
 That I am tired 
 
 With this day of Thine. 
 
 Breathe Thy pure breath, watching Father, 
 On this marred day of Thine, 
 This wandering day of mine; 
 Be patient with its blur and blot, 
 Wash it white of stain and spot, 
 Reproachful eyes! remember not 
 That I have grieved Thee 
 On this day of Thine. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 Elizabeth Stuart Phelp&
 
 32 Samtarg 30 
 
 Whence comes the dream, if none may see 
 The daylight of reality? 
 
 Whence comes to human hearts sweet love 
 If high all mortal thought above 
 
 There lives not, Lord of star and sun, 
 Maker and lover all in one? 
 
 Whence comes the will for high emprise, 
 The winged hopes that touch the skies, 
 
 The dear belief in life to be 
 The picture of eternity, 
 
 If not {secure from Time's mischance) 
 By our divine inheritance ? 
 
 Mary F. Butts. 
 
 O God, who hast made us for Thy fellowship, 
 we thank Thee for a day in Thy service. For every 
 true thought we thank Thee, and for all impulses 
 of love and all willingness to labor at our appointed 
 tasks. We bless Thee for intimations of an immortal 
 life and a world of infinite good. Help us to walk 
 by faith while we wait for the clear vision. Forgive 
 the doubt and fear of hearts that seek Thee, and all 
 sins that we have committed when forgetful of Thee. 
 May we lie down in peace knowing that Thy love 
 encompasses us. Grant us renewing of strength 
 and refreshing of heart that we may enter upon" the 
 coming day in gladness and hope. Amen. 
 
 Wilbert L. Anderson.
 
 Sfanuarg 31 33 
 
 We leave something of our hearts in every place 
 where joy or sorrow comes to us. Arid so the hearth; 
 the door-stone; the old tree, that threw its branches 
 over the house where we were reared as children; 
 the well, into which, from day to day, many tears, 
 it may be, were dropped, as the mother went to and fro; 
 the brook, that sang to our sighing; the mountain 
 ravine, where we wandered to get rid of busy life; a 
 thousand places that in youth or in struggling man- 
 hood have been witnesses to our deep emotions, — 
 these things become personal to us, and afterwards 
 throw back, in their shadow, something of our own 
 selves upon us, and greet us with a human sympathy. 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Our Heavenly Shepherd, we thank Thee for the 
 " green pastures " and the " still waters "; for here 
 we have known Thy presence. We thank Thee for 
 our places of business and our homes of service; 
 for here Thy rod and staff have comforted us. Today 
 Thou hast met us in our daily task, in our earnest 
 conversation, in our Christian fellowship, in our 
 moments of relaxation. May we so retain these ex- 
 periences that tomorrow we may meet them all with 
 the joy of recognition; may find them true friends 
 and fellow-workers; may use them once again to 
 climb heavenward and love them because they are 
 rounds of our Jacob's ladder. Thou art our king and 
 Lord, and so we accept Thy assignment; but Thou 
 art our Father, and so we accept these experiences 
 as a part of the " all things " freely given to us with 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 Carl D. Case.
 
 34 iFetivuavj? I 
 
 Sing a song o' sunshine; 
 
 Blue the winter's sky, 
 Snows melt for the crocus, 
 
 Spring comes by and by, 
 Sing a song o' sunshine for each passing day, 
 'Twill life's labor lighten, cheer earth's pilgrim way. 
 
 Sing a song o' sunshine; 
 
 Tho' today is drear, 
 Rainbows arch the heavens 
 
 When clouds disappear. 
 Sing a song o' sunshine to the hearts you love — 
 Harmonies of heaven from the heights above. 
 
 Sing a song o' sunshine, 
 
 Live a life of cheer, 
 Smile instead of frowning, 
 
 Never fret or fear; 
 Do your duty gayly, cast your cares aside — 
 There is sunshine somewhere — choose life's sunny 
 side. 
 
 Gertrude Rugg Field. 
 
 Our dear heavenly Father, the clouds may have 
 hung heavily over us this day, and the approaching 
 night may be of the blackest, but within our hearts 
 there is brightness and cheer, for we have put our 
 trust in Thee, whom we know to be the unfailing 
 source of light and life and joy. As we lay our 
 selves down to sleep, may we trust that Thou 
 wilt guard us safely, until we again waken re- 
 freshed for the duties and responsibilities of life. 
 Amen. 
 
 Frank Lincoln Masseck.
 
 iFcbruarj? 2 35 
 
 Shall a child cry when the mother takes it up at 
 night out of a frightful dream? No. The child seeks 
 its mother's bosom, and is at rest. Shall God's great 
 arm be round about you, and shall the bosom of unfailing 
 love be your supply, and shall you go moaning and 
 crying as if you were orphans and were neglected? Oh, 
 let the light of Christ's love, the joy of his presence, the 
 opening of the heavens so that you shall see Him as He 
 is, redeem you from anxious care! 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Unto Thee, O Lord, we come with thanksgiving 
 for all Thou hast done and hast promised to do for 
 Thy children. We pray for wisdom. There appears 
 to be food, clothing and shelter enough for all Thy 
 human family. There seems to be grace enough, 
 love enough, health enough for us all, if we were 
 wise enough to seek Thee aright. Fill us with the 
 best ideas from the world of sense, and inspire our 
 souls with love and life from the world divine, that 
 we may with the use of both worlds be wiser than the 
 ancients. Open our eyes to see our golden opportuni- 
 ties and deepen our appreciation of the blessings 
 placed by Thee at our hands: till the joy of a great 
 gratitude fills our hearts with peace and moves our 
 tongues to praise. 
 
 Russell H. Conwell.
 
 36 iFtftruars 3 
 
 o 
 
 Hope stood one morning by the way, 
 
 And stretched her fair white hand to me, 
 
 And softly whispered, " For this day 
 I'll company with thee." 
 
 " Ah no, dear Hope," I sighing said, 
 Oft have you joined me in the morn, 
 But when evening came you fled 
 And left me all forlorn. 
 
 " 'Tis better far to walk alone 
 
 Than have your company awhile 
 And then to lose it and go on 
 For weary mile on mile." 
 
 She turned rebuked. I went my way 
 But sad the sunshine seemed, and chill; 
 
 I missed her, missed her all the day, 
 And oh ! I miss her still. 
 
 Susan Coolidge. 
 
 O Master! It is not so. Thank God! We have 
 not found it so. Thou hast not failed us, Hope of 
 our souls; Hope of glory, Thou art with us still. 
 Abide with us. We will not say Thee nay. " One 
 step enough for me," if Thou wilt go with us but 
 that one. But we trust Thee for all the steps, all the 
 days, all the nights, — nights of ignorance, nights of 
 sorrow, the night of death. We have refused in the 
 past, but not now. No more forever. Henceforth 
 we walk together. The loneliness is gone. We are 
 leaning on Him who has promised " I am with you 
 always." We thank Thee, Master, and will go on. 
 Amen. 
 
 William O. Shepard.
 
 iFefcruavg 4 37 
 
 Body, how hast thou fared today? 
 
 I have had the best that the world can give; 
 With my costly feasting and rich array. 
 
 Where is the prince who could better live?" 
 
 And how has it been with thee, soul? 
 
 I have lived on a crust or two of prayer, 
 And had not a vestment that was whole: — 
 
 Ay ! how much worse could a beggar fare ? " 
 Charlotte Fiske Bates. 
 
 O God, we pray this night for the power, the desire, 
 to pray. Starved are we, but we feel no hunger; 
 naked, but we feel no shame. The cry of our bodies 
 for rich fare and vesture has stifled the cry of our 
 souls — ourselves. We are as one sick unto death 
 but who in folly thinks himself in abounding health. 
 Pity us, that we know this and care not. Save us 
 from that tyranny of the flesh which is dearer to us 
 than the immortal hope, the service of our fellows, 
 the companionship of Thy spirit. Grant unto us 
 the suffering sense of our soul's bitter poverty, that 
 we may be led to seek and find the blessedness of Thy 
 heavenly kingdom. Amen. 
 
 Robert E. Brown.
 
 3§ jFetontarj? 5 
 
 One ship drives east, and another west, 
 
 With the self-same winds that blow; 
 
 'Tis the set of the satis 
 
 And not the gales, 
 
 Which decides the way to go. 
 
 Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate, 
 
 As we voyage along through life; 
 
 'Tis the will of the soul 
 
 That decides its goal, 
 
 And not the calm or the strife. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Our Father, the tossing, restless, terrifying sea is 
 Thine. And life's sea with all its voyaging craft is 
 under Thy watchful eye. In this thought do Thou now 
 give our hearts calm. And give us to see more clearly 
 the place and power of our own souls in determining 
 our haven. More than this, — may this present hold 
 for us such interest, and sacred worth, and may the 
 future beckon us with such charm that we shall 
 crave and receive from Thee the strong heart and 
 hand for our voyage. Cheer us, if it please Thee, 
 with brighter skies. But may darkness and light 
 alike contribute to the sturdiness of our spirit. In 
 the shadows that now gather, becalmed, we trust- 
 ingly commit all to Thee. May we be off cheerily 
 with the morning. Amen. 
 
 Arthur W. Stalker.
 
 iFcfitttars 6 39 
 
 He shall give his angels charge 
 
 Over thee in all thy ways. 
 Though the thunders roam at large, 
 
 Though the lightning round me plays, 
 Like a child I lay my head 
 In sweet sleep upon my bed. 
 
 Though the terror come so close, 
 It shall have no power to smite; 
 
 It shall deepen my repose, 
 Turn the darkness into light. 
 
 Touch of angels' hands is sweet, — 
 
 Not a stone shall hurt my feet. 
 
 All thy waves and billows go 
 
 Over me to press me down 
 Into arms so strong, I know 
 
 They will never let me drown. 
 Ah! my God, how good Thy will! 
 I will nestle and be still. 
 
 Alice Freeman Palmer. 
 
 O Father, we would not forget Thy benefits. For 
 life we thank Thee; the throbbing life of Nature; 
 the quick-beating pulse of human hearts; for love 
 we thank Thee; that love which has been ours, 
 blessing us, saving us, creating us anew. O God, we 
 call Thee, and Thou art here. We are not strong; 
 grant us Thy strength. We cannot see; grant us Thy 
 light. We do not know the way; lead us, O Father, 
 by Thy Spirit. We falter, we wander, we dare not 
 speak; only teach Thou us to pray. So, in us, and 
 through us, may Thy kingdom come, and Thy will 
 be done. Amen. 
 
 Christopher R. Eliot.
 
 4 o jFtfintarg 7 
 
 / ought. I can. I will. 
 
 Vincent. 
 
 / know of no more encouraging fact than the un- 
 questionable ability of man to elevate his life by a con- 
 scious endeavor. It is something to be able to paint a 
 particular picture or to carve a statue, and so make a 
 few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to 
 carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium 
 through which we look, which morally we can do. 
 
 Thoreau. 
 
 Gracious Father, every eventide might remind 
 us of life's final sunset. Each day, with time's priv- 
 ilege and earth's resources and the bright, blue firma- 
 ment overhanging, is a call to action and improve- 
 ment. Aid and inspire us to feel that benevolence 
 is beauty — that virtue is victory, that childlike faith 
 in Thy wise love will gladden for us the new and ever- 
 lasting day. Amen. 
 
 Robert Bruce Clark.
 
 iFcfcntarg 8 41 
 
 It is hardly worth while to be anything else but kind, 
 There are sinners around us, 'tis true, but 'tis easy to 
 
 find 
 That they stumble and fall, not because they are bad, 
 
 but ore blind. 
 
 It is hardly worth while to be anything else but just, 
 For today or tomorrow we die, and our bodies are dust, 
 And the millionaire lies with the beggar who craved 
 for a crust. 
 
 It is hardly worth while to be anything else but good, 
 It is meet that we serve our Redeemer the way that we 
 
 should, 
 It is meet that we love Him and serve Him the way 
 
 that He would. 
 
 To be honest and pure, to be faithful and brave and 
 
 resigned — 
 Is the standard He sets for a heart and a soul and a 
 
 mind, 
 And always and aye to the end, to be kind — to be kind. 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, as we leave the day and 
 commit ourselves to Thy care for the night, help us 
 to put away all bitterness, all criticism and all envy. 
 Help us to be kind and just and good. Then with 
 peace in our hearts shall we sleep sweetly and even 
 while we sleep shall we be enriched with love, and 
 awake refreshed. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 42 jFtt>rttav£ 9 
 
 His eyes were dim with dust of the mart. 
 With woe of the world he was sick at heart. 
 
 Then lo! he was met by a mighty song. 
 Its surge upbore him above the throng, — 
 // left him clean and brave and strong. 
 
 Never again shall he hate the mart. 
 
 He yearns to give it the song of his heart. 
 
 Katharine H. Austin. 
 
 We thank Thee, Master, that Thou hast not left 
 us to toil unaided and alone. This day we have 
 heard Thy voice above the clamor of the market- 
 place. Thou hast given us visions of earth's beauty 
 and of Thy gracious love, even while our eyes have 
 looked upon struggle and unrest. Thou hast filled 
 our hearts with songs of gratitude and hast made us 
 to rejoice, although the burdens were heavy and 
 our cherished plans failed of fruition. Thou hast 
 kept alive our faith in our fellow men, although the 
 weakness and wickedness of the heart have been re- 
 vealed to us anew. Keep our ears ever open to Thy 
 messages of cheer, and our eyes undimmed that we 
 may behold Thee. Amen. 
 
 Lathan A. Crandall.
 
 iFctintarg 10 43 
 
 Men often think, " Oh, if my father were here, 
 he would do so and so." Why do you not go to God? 
 " Well," you answer, " he ts divine." Yes, he is 
 divine, but not in the sense that he is less good than 
 your father. He ts not visible as your father is, he does 
 not speak as your father speaks, he does not touch your 
 hand as your father touches it; but, in so far as that 
 which constitutes the goodness of your father to you, 
 God is unspeakably more than your father is. He is 
 richer in heart, purer in sympathy, and more continu- 
 ous in his desires and yearnings for you, than any 
 earthly parent can be. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Our Father, give us the faith that makes Thy 
 Fatherhood real to us. That like a sense divine 
 quickens memory so that precious promise, and tender 
 words of love, come assuringly to us. Be Thyself 
 the inner light that causes the night to shine beyond 
 the day. Then wilt Thou be so real, so constant — 
 and we so warmly in Thy thought, interest, doing, 
 that all doubt will go, and the joy of believing will 
 abide. Thy voice will be heard in the sweet silence 
 of our perfect trust; Thy touch be felt in the sense 
 of a Father's goodness enswathing us and making 
 us deeply glad. Again and again will our hearts 
 remind us that all Thy riches are for Thy children, 
 and that we are graven on the palms of Thy hands, 
 and abide in an Infinite heart that ever loves and 
 never forgets its own. Amen. 
 
 Charles H. Watson.
 
 44 jFefcrttar^ n 
 
 At vesper-tide, 
 
 One virtuous and pure in heart did pray, 
 
 Since none I wronged in deed or word today, 
 From whom should I crave pardon ? Master, say." 
 
 A voice replied: 
 
 From the sad child whose joy thou hast not planned; 
 The goaded beast whose friend thou didst not stand; 
 The rose that died for water from thy hand." 
 
 Emily Sargent Lewis. 
 
 Our Father in heaven, as the day goeth away and 
 the shadows of evening are stretched out, we seek 
 Thy pardon and peace. Thou who dost feed the 
 birds, clothe the grass, adorn the lily, Thou who 
 dost shepherd the one sheep and seek the one lost 
 son, teach us how little words and feeble prayers and 
 small services enter into character and immortality. 
 Forgive, we beseech Thee, our selfish satisfactions 
 and the sin that has been mingled with the best we 
 have tried to do. Flelp us to see that nothing done 
 for self alone is great, and nothing done for Thee is 
 small. Teach us to appreciate everyday joys, to be 
 faithful in trifles, to feel that duty is near. Remember 
 not against us the service neglected, the duty for- 
 gotten, and help us henceforth to do our work with 
 pure intent and loving obedience. May we lay our- 
 selves down in peace to sleep; and, should our eyes 
 behold the morning light, may we have strength 
 to correct the mistakes of this day, and with patience 
 follow Him who went about doing good. Amen. 
 
 Frank L. Goodspeed.
 
 iFcbntarij 12 45 
 
 (Abraham Lincoln. Born 1809) 
 
 Fate struck the hour! 
 
 A crisis hour of Time. 
 Tb? tocsin of a people clanging forth 
 Thro' the wild South and thro' the startled North 
 Called for a leader, Master of his kind, 
 Fearless and firm, with clear, foreseeing mind; 
 Who should not flinch from calumny or scorn, 
 Who in the depth of night, could ken the morn; 
 
 Wielding a giant power 
 
 Humbly, with faith sublime. 
 God knew the man his sovereign grace had sealed; 
 God touched the man, and Lincoln stood revealed! 
 
 J. L. H. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father, for the land in which 
 we live. Thy providence has kept us in the past, 
 and Thy right hand is upon us for good at all times. 
 In times of darkness and disaster, Thou didst raise 
 up for us men who were to this nation what Moses 
 and Joshua and David were to Israel, men who 
 bore, as they did,Thy Divine Commission. We thank 
 Thee for Washington, the Father of his country, and 
 for Lincoln, its saviour. We pray Thee that the holy 
 spirit of patriotism proceeding from them may so 
 inspire our citizens that we may grow more and more 
 into the image and likeness of these divinely ap- 
 pointed leaders. And raise up for us, O Father, 
 in days to come, those who shall perpetuate the work 
 of the past, and make our land a blessing to all the 
 nations. Amen. 
 
 Marion D. Shutter.
 
 4 6 jFctivttars 13 
 
 When you cry out for God, He will cry out for you. 
 There was never a heart homesick for heaven, that 
 heaven was not homesick for it. Never did a soul long 
 for God, that God did not long for that soul. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 There is no loneliness to the believer. He may be 
 misunderstood, slandered, disliked, persecuted; but 
 near him is the mysterious presence of a sympathizing 
 Father, shaping, guiding, influencing every step in 
 his path through life towards a definite and a blessed 
 end. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 From Thee is all that soothes the life of man, 
 His high endeavors and his glad success, 
 His strength to suffer and his will to serve. 
 But O Thou sovereign Giver of all good, 
 Thou art, of all Thy gifts, Thyself the crown; — 
 Give what Thou canst, without Thee we are poor, 
 And with Thee rich, take what Thou wilt away. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 William Cowper.
 
 iFtftruarj? 14 47 
 
 In the loom of life we weave each day 
 On the warp of circumstance, 
 The colors grave and the colors gay, 
 However the threads may chance. 
 
 But the web is ours to make or mar, 
 And the pattern we may choose; 
 We may make the fabric strong and fair. 
 And blend as we will the hues. 
 
 The glint of gold from our happy days 
 
 May shine through the sombre shades, 
 
 And love's warm gleams, like the morning's rays, 
 
 And beauty that never fades. 
 
 Mary Vaughan. 
 
 Lord, Thou knowest the circumstance into which 
 we have this day woven a thread that must constitute 
 an imperishable part of the fabric of our lives. Make 
 the thread strong and the fabric stainless. Impress 
 us deeply with the truth that the web we are today 
 weaving is our own and that we are responsible 
 for its pattern, its strength, and its hues. If in our 
 lives today there have been sombre shades there 
 have also been some glintings of golden sunshine, 
 helpful, we trust, to all with whom we have been as- 
 sociated. Forgive whatever there may have been 
 amiss in thought, word or deed during the day that 
 is ending and grant that when the loom of our lives 
 shall cease their weaving, the finished fabric may be 
 strong and fair, possessed of a beauty that shall never 
 fade. Amen. 
 
 A. B. Leonard.
 
 48 iFefcrttatrg 15 
 
 " Tour way is dark," the angel said, 
 Because you downward gaze; 
 Look up! the sun is overhead; 
 
 Look up and learn to praiSe." 
 I looked. I learned: Who looks above 
 Will find in Heaven both Light and Love. 
 
 " Why upward gaze? " the angel said; 
 " Have you not learned to know 
 The Light of God shines overhead 
 
 That men may work below? " 
 I learned: Who only looks above 
 May miss below the work of Love. 
 
 And thus I learned the lessons twain: 
 The heart whose treasure is above 
 
 Will gladly turn to earth again 
 Because the heavens is Love. 
 
 Tea, Love that framed the starry height 
 
 Came down to earth and gave it Light. 
 
 The Bishop of Ripon. 
 
 O Thou who makest the darkness as well as the 
 light, and who art blessing Thy children in the gloom 
 of sorrow as well as in the brightness of joy, we lift 
 our hearts to Thee, that we may find ourselves ever- 
 more in the light that is born of love and the con- 
 sciousness that we are ever the objects of Thy care. 
 Kelp us, O Heavenly Father, as the light of Thy 
 love comes into our lives, to use it to walk in the 
 paths of peace and righteousness, and to do the work 
 that falls to our lot in a way that is acceptable irj Thy 
 sight by being of service to our fellows. 
 
 Le Grand Powers.
 
 iFcfcruarg ie 49 
 
 What matters, then, where your feet stand, or where- 
 with your hands are busy? So that it is the spot where 
 God has put you, and the work He has given you to do? 
 
 Sacrifice is the beginning of all redemption. We 
 must give up. We must even give up the wish and 
 seeming to have a hand in things, that we may work 
 unseen in the elements, and make them fit and health- 
 ful; that daily bread and daily life may be sweet again 
 in dear, old homely ways, and plentiful with all truly 
 blessed opportunities. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that the evening 
 is here, when we may give back to Thee the work 
 and the care which have been ours for the day. 
 Forgive us if we have not done the work well, forgive 
 us if we have put ourselves forward or have sought 
 name or fame even in our little sphere, but most of all 
 forgive us if we have borne the care of the day as a 
 burden of our own rather than a trust, from Thee. 
 Let us find our joy in bens; in the place of Thy 
 will, counting it better to follow Thee in obscurity 
 than to go alone in a larger place. For the night ltt 
 us cast ofF all burdens and rest in Thy love, and so 
 be ready to undertake tomorrow's work and care 
 worthily. Amen. 
 
 Cleland B. McAfee.
 
 50 iFrfcrttarg 17 
 
 / will fear no evil " voices the higher self. 
 We must eliminate every particle of the poison of 
 fear from our minds before we can arrive at the perfect 
 peace which cometh through understanding. 
 Fear is only indolence of will. 
 Awake ! Awake ! Put on strength ! " was the 
 cry of the old prophet. 
 
 Charles B. Newcomb. 
 
 Our Father in heaven, we thank Thee for Thy 
 preserving care of this day, and for all the comforts 
 of life it has brought to us; for the peace of mind 
 which fears no evil in the assurance ihat Thou art 
 with us equally when we walk in the sunshine of 
 prosperity and under the clouds of adversity. As 
 the disciples of Thy Son, may we follow in His foot- 
 steps, having the same mind which was in him. 
 Graciously watch over us this night and let us sleep 
 in quiet, having that love for Thee and for our fellow- 
 men which casteth out fear. Let us awake, refreshed, 
 faithfully to perform every duty, endure every trial, 
 and enjoy every blessing Thou shalt send. Amen. 
 
 W. W. Curry.
 
 iFcUruavg 18 51 
 
 The longer I live the more I see 
 
 Of the struggles of souls towards the heights above, 
 The stronger this truth comes home to me: 
 
 That the Universe rests on the shoulders of love; 
 A love so limitless, deep, and broad, 
 
 That men have renamed it and called it — God. 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 God has made you after his own plan, and he places 
 you just where he wishes you to work with htm to bring 
 about the highest results for yourself. He has given 
 you every opportunity. Make yourself what you will. 
 Remember it lies with you. God can make no mis- 
 takes ! 
 
 Alice Freeman Palmer. 
 
 O Thou, who hast made us in Thine own image — 
 who knowest our weaknesses, no less than the strength 
 which, through Thee, is possible for us — look in 
 mercy we pray Thee upon this day's failures. Re- 
 member them no more against us. Establish Thou 
 the work of our hands upon us. Help us to stay our 
 hearts on Thee. Keep us from complaints and mis- 
 judgments of ourselves or of our fortune. Incline 
 our spirits to perceive Thy will and to seek eagerly 
 that which, in perfect wisdom, Thou hast ordained. 
 May the evening and the night come upon us in 
 heavenly benediction and the morrow find us, as 
 never before, exultant children of God. Amen. 
 
 De Witt S. Clark.
 
 52 iFrtrttarg 19 
 
 Our little thoughts gambol close to God's abyss, 
 Children whose home is by the precipice. 
 Fear not thy little ones shall o'er- it fall: 
 Solid, though viewless, is the girdling wall. 
 
 William Watson. 
 
 So faith is strong 
 
 Only when we are strong, shrinks when we shrink. 
 
 It comes when music stirs us, and the chords, 
 
 Moving on to some grand climax, shake our souls, 
 
 With influx new that makes new energies, 
 
 It comes in swellings of the heart and tears 
 
 That rise at noble and at gentle deeds. 
 
 George Eliot. 
 
 Heavenly Father, God of the Day and of the Night, 
 Thou whom we need so much at all times but es- 
 pecially when darkness enshrouds and we are alone; 
 Thou who knowing better than ourselves our need 
 are ever nearer than we think, grant us this night the 
 unconsciousness and perfect rest without which we 
 cannot renew our strength. Work Thou for us while 
 we sleep, so that when we wake we shall find the 
 puzzling problem solved, the anxiety gone, fear dis- 
 placed by hope, weariness by energy. Why is it 
 that we are not always strong and joyous and confident 
 when Thou, who hast never failed us, offerest freely 
 for our use all the Divine store of Thy strength and 
 joy and buoyant faith ? We purpose to do better 
 tomorrow. Lord forgive us yet once more as we lie 
 down to sleep tonight. Amen. 
 
 Charles P. Fagnani.
 
 iFc&ruarg 20 53 
 
 You sail and you seek for the Fortunate Isles, 
 
 The old Greek Isles of the yellow-birds' song? 
 Then steer straight on through the watery miles, 
 
 Straight on, straight on, and you can't go wrong. 
 Nay, not to the left, nay, not to the right, 
 But on, straight on, and the isles are in sight, 
 
 The Fortunate Isles where the yellow-birds sing, 
 
 And life lies girt with a golden ring. 
 
 And what are the names of the Fortunate Isles? 
 
 Why! Duty and Love and a large Content. 
 ho! these are the Isles of the watery miles, 
 
 That God let down from the firmament. 
 ho, Duty and hove, and a true man ' s Trust; 
 Your forehead to God, though your feet in the dust; 
 
 ho, Duty and hove, and a sweet babe' s smiles, 
 
 And these, O friend, are the Fortunate Isles. 
 
 Joaquin Miller. 
 
 O Father of Compassion, we do not ask Thee this 
 night for good fortune, but only for faithfulness. 
 For the sake of our own souls, for the sake of those 
 who love us, for the sake of those who trust in us, 
 hold us to the steady course of Thy pleasurable will! 
 Remind us by Thy Spirit this night that we are not 
 lone mariners but our lives are as vessels crowded 
 with many souls and we ourselves the captains of 
 their salvation or destruction. Thou hast created us 
 with influence upon others, with constant contacts 
 and relationships. Oh grant us, Father, that we may 
 bring them all in safety to the Isles of Grace. Amen. 
 
 John Marvin Dean.
 
 54 $thVMV£ 21 
 
 Every day brings a ship, 
 Every ship brings a word; 
 Well for those who have no fear; 
 Looking seaward well assured 
 That the word the vessel brings 
 Is the word they wish to hear. 
 
 Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
 
 Tomorrow hath a rare, alluring sound; 
 Today is very prose; and yet the twain 
 Are but one vision seen through altered eyes. 
 Our dreams inhabit one; our stress and pain 
 Surge through the other. Heaven is but today 
 Made lovely with tomorrow 's face, for aye. 
 
 Richard Burton. 
 
 We thank Thee, Our Father, that we are come to 
 the season for rest and refreshment with a vision for 
 tomorrow. This day has brought duties and pleasures. 
 It has held for us successes and disappointments. 
 The real things of today have not seemed to us the 
 fulfillment of the dreams of yesterday. We pray 
 that we may use these experiences even though they 
 seem to us commonplace as the foundation stones 
 on which we shall build the bright anticipation of the 
 future. Wilt Thou so guide our thought that we shall 
 look forward to a Heavenly joy which is made up 
 of a day's commonplace service lived in the spirit 
 of loving obedience to Thee. Teach us we pray 
 to grow within us that spirit of love and service which 
 throws the mantle of glory over the homely duties 
 of life, making them the joys of heaven. Amen. 
 
 Asa M. Bradley.
 
 iFrtrttarj? 22 55 
 
 {George Washington. Born 1 732) 
 
 Let a man fasten himself to some great idea, some 
 large truth, some noble cause, even in the affairs of this 
 world, and it will send him forward with energy, with 
 steadfastness, with confidence. This is what Emerson 
 meant when he said, " Hitch your wagon to a star." 
 These are the potent, the commanding, the enduring, 
 the inspiring men, — in our own history, men like 
 Washington and Lincoln. They may fall, they may 
 be defeated, they may perish; but onward moves the 
 cause, and their souls go marching on with it, for they 
 are part of it, they have believed in it. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice 
 in the great ideas that are born in the minds of men, 
 and the great emotions kindled in their hearts. We 
 thank Thee for the great leaders of thought, for the 
 heads of great causes. If we may not be leaders, 
 teach us, we pray Thee, to be followers and disciples. 
 We rejoice in our own country's heroes whose thoughts 
 and deeds keep alive the flame of patriotism. We 
 thank Thee for the greatest leader of all, our Master 
 and theirs. Let us bravely follow where He leads. 
 Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 56 jpeifovuar!> 23 
 
 Fierce was the wild billow, dark was the night. 
 Oars labored heavily, foam glimmered white; 
 Mariners trembled, peril was nigh'; 
 Then said the God of Gods, " Peace, it is If' 
 
 Jesu, Deliverer/ come Thou to me; 
 Soothe Thou my voyaging over life's sea; 
 Thou, when the storm of death roars sweeping by, 
 Whisper, Truth of Truth, ''Peace, it is I!" 
 
 Saint Anatolius. 
 
 O Lord our God, Thou Infinite One, within and 
 above earth's storm and calm, we look to Thee 
 through the evening clouds. We praise Thy great 
 and holy name for Thy safe pilotage through the 
 years that have passed, and that often in the storm 
 Thou hast whispered to us the word of peace. We 
 thank Thee that God is faithful, Who will not suffer 
 us to be tempted above that we are able. We rejoice 
 in Thine assurance that Jesus our Lord will voyage 
 with us, as with His disciples of old, if we will truly 
 let Him into our hearts; and that in every storm 
 we may have His calm. Our hearts sing Thy praise 
 as we realize that He has overcome death for us, 
 earth's darkest night and fiercest tempest. With an 
 abiding confidence and peace we pray that the God 
 of peace, will make us perfect in every good work, 
 working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight. 
 Amen. 
 
 Anson P. Atterbury.
 
 iFrtruarj? 24 57 
 
 Life's a strange thing, and worlds are mixed. The 
 devils and the angels go up and down together; no 
 wonder we want the telling of the sure foundation. 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Sometimes the Angel in me's down, 
 Struggling among men in the town; 
 Sometimes, aloof, along the peak, 
 Alone, it hears the Lord God speak. 
 
 Sometimes, it is so strong, I bear 
 His word to me where all men fare: 
 best! if in the battling street 
 Life's harshest voice to me rings sweet! 
 
 Charlotte Porter. 
 
 Our Father, help us to bear without rebellion those 
 things in our life we cannot understand. This day, 
 like all our days, has been full of mystery. We have 
 added many to the questions we shall ask Thee when, 
 as Thou hast promised, " we shall know as we are 
 known." Help us to thank Thee even for the mys- 
 tery; for the pain as well as the pleasure, the failures 
 as well as the successes, the sorrow as well as the 
 joy; in confidence in Thine assurance that Thou art 
 making "all things work together for good to them 
 that love Thee." And we love Thee, our Blessed 
 Redeemer ! Pardon our sins. Thine eye that never 
 slumbers will be upon us while we sleep. And when 
 the morrow comes for us, may it be to better service 
 and fuller enjoyment of Thee; whether here or in 
 the Eternal Day. Amen. 
 
 Allan Douglas Carlile.
 
 58 iFetirttars 25 
 
 / lived with Pride; the house was hung 
 
 With tapestries of rich design. 
 Of many houses, this among 
 
 Them all was richest, and 'twas mine. 
 But in the chambers burned no fire, 
 
 Tho' all the furniture was gold; 
 I sickened of fulfilled desire, 
 
 The house of Pride was very cold. 
 
 I lived with Love; all she possest 
 
 Was but a tent beside a stream. 
 She warmed my cold hands in her breast. 
 
 She wove around my sleep a dream. 
 And One there was with face divine 
 
 Who softly came, when day was spent, 
 And turned our water into wine, 
 
 And made our life a sacrament. 
 
 W. J. Dawson. 
 
 We give thanks to Thee, our Father, for another 
 day of Thy life. It is pleasant for us to live and to 
 rejoice in Thy goodness. Take from this day all 
 which is unworthy of it. We are trustful and glad 
 as we enter this new night. Keep us while we sleep, 
 and when we awake, may our thoughts be of Thee. 
 Fill our hearts with Thine own spirit, that there may 
 be no room for pride. Even while we rest let Thy 
 gentleness make us great in humility. We rejoice 
 in Thy constant love, and pray that we may have 
 grace to live in Him Who is the Love of God. In His 
 name we crown the day with these grateful desires. 
 Amen. 
 
 Alexander McKenzie.
 
 iFcfcruars? 26 59 
 
 Will winter never be over? 
 
 Will the dark days never go? 
 Must the buttercup and the clover 
 
 Be always hid under the snow? 
 
 Ah, lend me your little ear, love! 
 
 Hark! 'tis a beautiful thing: 
 The weariest month of the year, love, 
 
 Is shortest and nearest the spring! 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 O, thou Eternal Spirit, whose love fadeth not with 
 the waning light of day, beneath whose coverlet of 
 frost the still earth slumbereth, our weary hearts 
 would thank Thee for the blessed house of quiet. 
 As the unawakened seed in the ground and the close- 
 folded bud upon the tree await Thy kindling touch 
 of life, so through this night would we confide our 
 souls and bodies unto Thee, Thou great Renewer 
 of the world. And when the morrow dawns in beauty 
 may we arise, grateful for Thy refreshing power, eager 
 :o fulfil the duties of another day. Amen. 
 
 Henry Wilder Foote.
 
 6o jFcfcruarg 27 
 
 Did you tackle that trouble that came your way 
 
 With a resolute heart and cheerful? 
 Or hide your face from the light of day 
 
 With a craven soul and fearful? 
 0, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble r s an ounce, 
 
 Or a trouble is what you make it. 
 And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts, 
 
 But only, how did you take it? 
 
 Ton are beaten to earth? Well, what of that? 
 
 Come up with a smiling face. 
 It's nothing against you to fall down flat, 
 
 But to lie there — that's disgrace. 
 The harder you're thrown, why the higher you bounce; 
 
 Be proud of your blackened eye! 
 It isn't the fact that you're hit that counts, 
 
 It's how did you fight — and why? 
 
 Edmund Vance Cooke. 
 
 We thank Thee, O Father, for the strength for 
 each day's needs and for the knowledge that we are 
 not required to bear life's burdens and meet its tempta- 
 tions and suffer its pains and disappointments and 
 defeats alone. Teach us, we pray Thee, that the 
 resources of Omnipotence are available to them who 
 are doing Thy work and that if we make Thy pro- 
 gram ours we cannot fail. We do not ask, O God, 
 that Thou lead us always in ways of pleasantness 
 and paths of peace, but that Thou wilt give us the 
 invincibleness of perfect confidence in Thee. Wilt 
 Thou keep us in safety through the night ? And 
 may its hours of peaceful rest hearten us for the duties 
 of another day and make us able to endure and do 
 all that Thou shalt ask, through Him who giveth 
 strength. Amen. 
 
 Carl F. Henry.
 
 iFeiiruarg 28 61 
 
 Stay, stay at borne, my heart, and rest; 
 Home-keeping hearts are happiest, 
 For those that wander they know not where 
 Are full of trouble and full of care; 
 To stay at home is best. 
 
 Weary and homesick and distressed, 
 They wander east, they wander west, 
 And are baffled and beaten and blown about 
 By the winds of the wilderness of doubt; 
 To stay at home is best. 
 
 Then stay at home, my heart, and rest; 
 The bird is safest in its nest; 
 O'er all that flutter their wings and fly 
 A hawk is hovering in the sky; 
 To stay at home is best. 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 Grant us, O God, to fathom the truth that " the 
 kingdom of God is within." Not in strong, auda- 
 cious flights of discovery, not even in tireless enter- 
 prises of duty, but in the kindling of pure enthusiasms, 
 the cherishing of tranquil faiths, the doing divinely 
 of homely tasks, shall we find the peace that passes 
 understanding. Help us not only to think and to do, 
 but to live. And may we demonstrate that a man's 
 life consisteth not of the abundance of things he 
 possesses, but in the richness of his moral and intel- 
 lectual and emotional experiences. Forbid, our 
 Father, that we should be ever seeking, never attain- 
 ing this truth. And may we resolve this night to 
 achieve the life that is hid with Christ in God. 
 Amen. 
 
 C. Ellwood Nash.
 
 62 jFrtruarj? 29 
 
 A hermit there was, and he lived in a grot, 
 
 And the way to be happy, folks said he had got; 
 
 As I wanted to learn it, I went to his cell, 
 
 And when I came there, the old hermit said: " Well, 
 
 Young man, by your looks you want something, I see: 
 
 Now tell me the business that brings you to me." 
 
 " The way to be happy, folks say, you h'ave got; 
 And wishing to learn it, I've come to your grot. 
 Now, I beg and entreat, if you have such a plan, 
 That you write it down as plain as you can." 
 Upon which the old hermit, he went to his pen, 
 And brought this note when he came back again: 
 
 " Tis being and doing and having that make 
 All the pleasures and pains of which mankind partake; 
 To be what God pleases, to do a man's best 
 And to have a good heart, is the way to be blest." 
 
 Byron. 
 
 O Thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, 
 help us to turn aside from our customary cares and 
 compose ourselves as in Thy presence. Assured 
 that Thou dost provide for our welfare, may we 
 live in harmony with Thy blessed will. May it be 
 our joy to become what Thou wouldst have us be in 
 Thy wise purpose. May we so use our talents and 
 opportunities as to attain to our highest life as we 
 shall see it in Thy light. And through all life's 
 vicissitudes may we have a heart of good cheer for 
 each morrow. Amen. 
 
 Benjamin R. Bulkeley.
 
 JHaccf) t 63 
 
 Blow, March, with mighty winds away 
 
 The outworn things of yesterday; 
 
 Sweep through the soul, as through the earth; 
 
 And bear afar the signs of dearth, 
 
 Dead leaves, dead dreams and blighted hours; 
 
 Clear hearts and fields for coming flowers ! 
 
 Blow, March, with great wings, to make room 
 
 For life to bud and love to bloom ! 
 
 Take in your flight, old wrongs, regrets — 
 
 Giv* place to hope's new violets ! 
 
 Edith Hope Kinney. 
 
 O Thou Spirit of the Living God, brood over us 
 at this evening hour. As on the primal waters, move 
 on our souls to-night, and recreate our lives. We 
 throw our chamber windows open to the cool night 
 winds, and all our being, heart and mind, to the God 
 of the open air. Heal our bodies for their tasks and 
 breathe Thy life into our quickened spirits. Let 
 winds from Heaven cleanse the chambers of our 
 souls from every damp and germ of wrong, and wake 
 us to the morning, born anew to beauty, truth, and 
 good. And such a blessing grant, we pray, to those 
 we love, and unto all souls, till Thy Kingdom come. 
 Amen. 
 
 Edward Holyoke.
 
 6 4 JUarcf) 2 
 
 Out of the night that covers me. 
 Black as the pit, from pole to pole, 
 
 I thank whatever gods may be 
 For my unconquerable soul! 
 
 In the strong stress of circumstance 
 I have not winced nor cried aloud: 
 
 Under the bludgeonings of chance 
 My head is bloody, but unbowed! 
 
 Beyond this vale of wrath and tears 
 Looms up the horror of the shade; 
 
 And yet, the menace of the years 
 Finds, and shall find me, unafraid! 
 
 It matters not how strait the gate — 
 
 How charged with punishments the scroll; 
 
 I am the master of my fate — 
 / am the captain of my soul ! 
 
 William Ernest Henley. 
 
 I thank Thee, O God, for the precious powers of 
 my being; for power to will, power to achieve, power 
 to keep peace and hope and courage. I will fear no 
 evil, in life or death. But, Lord, it is because Thou 
 art with me. Stay Thou near in every valley of 
 shadow, every rough way. My powers are from 
 Thee; and I am at my best when Thou are near. 
 The joy of the Lord is my strength. In the world 
 I have tribulation; but I will be of good cheer and 
 come off" a conqueror through Thy help, even as 
 Thy Son overcame the world and hath sat down at 
 Thy right hand, my Savior. Amen. 
 
 William A. Knight.
 
 As birds, when after moulting they begin to sing, 
 break down in mid-song and give only a snatch here 
 and a snatch there of the full volume of their summer 
 stratus; so the hints, the little tinkling notes of love 
 on earth, beautiful as they are in themselves, are not 
 perfect and are not understood until we trace them 
 back and feel that there is above, somewhere, One 
 whose nature embraces all these things. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Nothing will prove a stronger, better stimulus to 
 right-doing than an increasing realization of the knowl- 
 edge and responsibility of the eternal Fatherhood for 
 every individual that He has caused to be. Lift up 
 your hearts and believe it. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Thou Source of all good, in whose love the joys 
 of life find their birth, we would feel Thee so close 
 to our spirits that in the twilight of this day our 
 hearts may be full of the gratitude that can trace 
 back through all its experiences, some expression 
 of Thyself, that in our joys has blessed us, in our 
 temptations has strengthened us, that has conse- 
 crated our disappointments and sorrows, and that 
 now ushers to the peace and rest of the night season. 
 Forbid, kind Father, that in the quiet of the day's 
 close, we should fail to think of Thee as the guardian 
 of our sleeping, as Thou hast been the guide of our 
 waking hours, so that in the night of rest and in the 
 day of work, we shall live in the deepening conscious- 
 ness that we are enfolded in Thine Almightiness, and 
 rise to meet whatever experiences the morrow may 
 have in store with new courage and trust. Amen. 
 
 John Vannevar.
 
 66 J**arcJ) 4 
 
 / worked for men," my Lor J will say 
 When we meet at the end of the King's Highway. 
 
 I walked with the beggar along the road, 
 I kissed the bondsman stung by the goad, 
 I bore my half of the porter s load'. 
 
 And what did you ? " my Lord will say, 
 
 As you travelled along the King's Highway ? " 
 
 I showed men God," my Lord will say, 
 As I travelled along the King's Highway. 
 I eased the sister's troubled mind; 
 I helped the blighted to be resigned; 
 I showed the sky to the souls grown blind. 
 And what did you ? " my Lord will say 
 When we meet at the end of the King's Highway. 
 
 Robert Davis. 
 
 Heavenly Father, as we rest at the end of another 
 stage in our earthly pilgrimage, our minds are op- 
 pressed with the thought of the things which we 
 ought to have done but which we have left undone. 
 We might have put our shoulders under the load 
 weighing too heavily upon some overburdened fellow 
 traveller. We know that our own burden would 
 have seemed lighter for such service. We might, 
 without expense or time or trouble, at least have 
 contributed words of cheer, a smile, good fellow- 
 ship, neighborly kindness to those we met by the 
 way. All this we acknowledge we have too often 
 failed to do. We ask thy forgiveness and thy help 
 in our homely but high resolution that henceforth 
 we will be more friendly, more neighborly, more 
 kindly, as we travel along the King's Highway. 
 Amen. 
 
 Frank Oliver Hall.
 
 JHarcij 5 67 
 
 We should waste no moments in weak regref, 
 
 If the day were but one; 
 If what we remember and what we forget 
 
 Went out with the sun; 
 We should be from our clamorous selves set free, 
 
 To work or to pray, 
 To be what the Father would have us be, 
 
 If we had but a day. 
 
 M. L. Dickinson. 
 
 Hitherto, O Lord, Thou hast helped us and 
 strengthened us in the journey of life. Day by day 
 Thou hast led us and provided for our necessities, 
 even as in the days of old Thou didst guide Thy 
 people through the wilderness, giving them manna 
 from Heaven to eat. And if we, like them, have 
 been weak and foolish, often turning aside from 
 Thy perfect way in pursuit of our timid and selfish 
 devices, forgive us, we beseech Thee, and assist us 
 by Thy holy spirit to turn our backs upon the past, 
 and press on henceforward towards the future, 
 doing our duty without distrust or repining as fol- 
 lowers of Him who is the way and the truth and the 
 life. Amen. 
 
 Edwin C. Sweetser.
 
 68 JHarcf) 6 
 
 The seedling hidden in the sod 
 
 Were :ll content immured to stay; 
 
 Slowly it upward makes its way 
 And finds the light at last, thank God ! 
 
 The most despised of mortal things — 
 
 The worm devoid of hope or bliss, 
 
 Discovers in the chrysalis 
 Too narrow space for urgent wings. 
 
 These are my kindred of the clay: 
 But as I struggled from the ground 
 Such weakness in my strength is found, 
 
 I seem less fortunate than they. 
 
 Yet though my progress be but slow, 
 
 And failure oft obscure the past, 
 
 I, too, victorious at last, 
 Shall reach the longed-for light, I know ! 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 O Father of our spirits, Thou art light ineffable 
 and eternal. Our ears have been dulled by the 
 rumblings of the caravans of earth; our eyes have 
 been dimmed by the blinding glare of false lights; 
 our hearts have been oppressed and heavy laden 
 with many cares and manifold burdens, the full 
 weight of which we need never have borne. Through 
 the advancing years comes the increasing conviction 
 that we were made for Thee, and that in Thy light 
 only do we see light. As the shades of evening fall, 
 may the steady radiance of Thy peace flood our beings 
 with its calm serenity, and for us, with each closing 
 day, as at life's evening, may there be light! Amen. 
 
 Clarence A. Barbour.
 
 JHarcij 7 6 9 
 
 " And underneath are the everlasting arms." 
 
 Deut. xxxiii: 27. 
 
 When I hear those words spoken, I see a little 
 boy — a tired little boy — sitting in a church and 
 thinking: " I'm so sleepy; but I must keep awake, 
 father will be cross." Then the lights in the aisle 
 spout flame, the figures in the painted window dance, 
 his head nods, his eyes close. A minute later they open 
 with a start to find his father's eyes fixed upon him — 
 that stern father in whose strenuous life there was no 
 place for a little boy. " Even if I close my eyes for 
 one minute father will be angry," thought the little 
 boy. The preacher droned on. The little boy's chin 
 sank upon his jacket. When he awoke, his father's 
 eyes, angrily the little boy thought, were again fixed 
 upon him. His father moved; the boy trembled. 
 Then, wonder of wonders ! he was lifted from his 
 place, his father's arms were underneath him, around 
 him. Thus, without fear — indeed with exquisite 
 joy and in great confidence — the little boy fell asleep 
 in those kind arms. So, I believe, it will be with us 
 who are older when our times comes. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Thou gracious Spirit, our Heavenly Father, how 
 sweet it is to think of ourselves as children, with 
 all the frailties, all the carelessness and all the faults 
 of children, and yet to know that Thou art patient 
 with us. If we keep awake when we ought to sleep 
 or sleep when we ought to keep awake Thou lovest 
 us just the same. May it be ours to put ourselves 
 trustingly into Thy hands to-night to sleep secure, 
 and then rising refreshed to go forth to the new 
 day's duties certain that our Father cares. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 7o JHavci) 8 
 
 Into the darkness and the hush of night 
 Slowly the landscape sinks and jades away 
 And with it jade the phantoms oj the day, 
 The ghosts oj men and things, that haunt the light. 
 
 The crowd, the clamor, the pursuit, the flight, 
 The unprofitable splendor and display, 
 The agitations, and the cares that prey 
 Upon our hearts, all vanish out of sight. 
 
 The better life begins; the world no more 
 Molests us; all its records we erase 
 From the dull commonplace book of our lives, 
 
 That like a palimpsest is written o'er 
 
 With trivial incidents of time and place, 
 And lo ! the ideal, hidden beneath, revives. 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 O God, our Father, we bless Thee for another 
 day with its temptations, its struggles, its joys and 
 its pleasures. We thank Thee for the associations, 
 for our work and the inspiration which it has brought 
 to us, and now as the twilight deepens, and we com- 
 mune with Thee, may our hearts seek Thy will, 
 Thy wisdom, Thy love. May this communion with 
 Thee make us forgetful of self, honest in the un- 
 covering of all our own wrong doing which has led 
 to strife, prejudice, sorrow or hardship for others. 
 May we find our chiefest joys through all the com- 
 ing days in bringing gladness upon earth, and in. 
 spending our strength in making earth a heaven for 
 all Thy children. Amen. 
 
 George A. Bellamy.
 
 JWarcij 9 7 1 
 
 / have no fear! what is in store for trie 
 Shall find me self-reliant, undismayed. 
 
 God grant my only cowardice may be: 
 Afraid — to be afraid ! 
 
 Everard Jack Appleton. 
 
 Whether in politics or religion, it is none of your 
 business whether you are in the majority or in the 
 minority. It is none of your concern whether your 
 idea is too old or too new; whether you are ahead or 
 behind the times. If what you teach is true, and the 
 world is not with you, then so much the worse for the 
 world. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Lord of Eternity! all our times are in Thy hand:, 
 with each rising and setting sun, we move with Thy 
 moving world. Thou leadest forth the stars in their 
 mighty courses, and in the divine order of nature 
 and humanity Thou hast appointed our nobler 
 place. We thank Thee for the laws that never change; 
 for the love that never slumbers; for the high calling 
 of truth and righteousness; and for the responsibili- 
 ties of rational freedom. Oh if other lords beside 
 Thee have had dominion over us — if through care- 
 lessness or cowardice or love of ease and praise, we 
 have conformed to customs and opinions that are 
 not true and right — we humbly own our folly and 
 fault; and would go to our rest confiding in Thy 
 pardoning grace, and with a sincere purpose to live 
 henceforth as Thy loving and obedient children. 
 Amen. 
 
 Charles Gordon Ames.
 
 72 jjHarcfj 10 
 
 / am quite clear that one of our worst failures is at 
 the point where, having resolved like angels, we drop 
 back into the old matter-of-fact life and do just what 
 we did before, because we have always done it, and 
 because everybody does it, and because our fathers and 
 mothers did it; all which may be the very reason why 
 we should not do it. . . . There is no station of life, 
 and no place of one's home, where, if he want to en- 
 large his life by caring for people outside himself, he 
 may not start on a career of enlargement which shall 
 find the answer to our question to be that the man who 
 enters upon infinite purposes lives the infinite life 
 He enlarges his life by every experience of life. 
 
 Edward Everett Hale. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, may we so profit by the 
 experiences of this day now closing that we shall 
 know how to live tomorrow in a better way; when 
 its opportunities shall open to us may we be able 
 to avoid the things which bring regret tonight. 
 Help us to profit by our failures and keep us from 
 stumbling twice and thrice over the same things. We 
 want to find our lives larger and better at the close 
 of each new day. May it be our holy purpose that on 
 the morrow we shall not be so small again. Help 
 us to lead our souls more and more to those high 
 altars of thought and service which lead to Thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 John Wesley Carter.
 
 A second voice was at mine ear; 
 A little whisper, silvery clear, 
 A murmur, "Be of better cheer ." 
 
 As from some blissful neighborhood, 
 
 A notice faintly understood, 
 
 I see the end and know the good." 
 
 A little hint to solace woe, 
 
 A hint, a whisper breathing low, 
 
 I may not speak of what I know!" 
 
 Like an Mohan harp, that wakes 
 
 No certain air, but overtakes 
 
 Far thought with music that it makes, — 
 
 Such seemed the whisper at my side; 
 
 What is't thou knowest, sweet voice ? " I cried: 
 
 A hidden hope," the voice replied. 
 
 Tennyson. 
 
 Eternal God, our Heavenly Father: with Thee 
 began, with Thee shall end this day. We have lived 
 it in Thy life and we have shared in the bounties 
 of Thy love. For all Thy mercies, known and un- 
 known, we render Thee our hearts' devotion and 
 our praise. Defend us, we beseech Thee, from all 
 perils and dangers of the approaching night. Abide 
 with us now that the hours of light are spent and 
 let Thy presence make melody in our souls during 
 the eventide watches. Thou All-True and All- 
 Compassionate God, in Thee will we put our trust, 
 until the day again breaketh, and the shadows flee 
 away. Amen. 
 
 S. Parkes Cadman.
 
 74 JHavcf) 12 
 
 Often at night my little daughter stirs 
 
 And cries, perhaps at some rude dream of ill, 
 
 But when she feels her father's hand on hers 
 She sinks again to slumber sweet and still. 
 
 Often at night, I, too, from dreaming start, 
 Shaken by fears, alas, that are not dreams, 
 
 But when Thou layest Thy hand upon my heart, 
 Christ, the Comforter, how sweet it seems ! 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 Father in Heaven, as the shadows of the night 
 gather about me, shutting out from my vision so 
 much that has interested and inspired me, separating 
 me from so many fellow laborers whose companion- 
 ship has strengthened my spirit and sweetened my 
 toil, I feel the need of Thy personal presence. May 
 I have such full consciousness of Thy being, such 
 absolute confidence in Thy goodness, such steadfast 
 faith in Thy protecting providence that no fear shall 
 trouble my heart though the night be dark about me 
 or the elements rage without. Let no morbid figment 
 of my imagination distort, for an instant, in my 
 deepest consciousness, the great central fact that 
 God is Love, and " Love worketh no ill." Amen. 
 
 Charles Conklin.
 
 JttarcJ) 13 75 
 
 " Take your needle, my child, and work at your pat- 
 tern; it will come out a rose by-and-by." Life is like 
 that — one stitch at a time taken patiently and the 
 pattern will come out all right like the embroidery. 
 Oliver Wendell Holmes. 
 
 The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, 
 light in your eyes, floweis at your feet, duties at your 
 hand, the path of God ]ust before you. Then do not 
 grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work 
 as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread 
 are the sweetest things of life. 
 
 Robert Louis Stevenson. 
 
 Into Thy loving care, O Thou, whom we have 
 been taught to call our Father, we would commit 
 ourselves this night. Thou art father and mother 
 to our souls and as the child, full of trust, falls asleep 
 in its mother's arms so may we now rest in Thee 
 knowing that Thou wilt protect us from evil and 
 raise us up in the new day refreshed for the duties 
 of life. We desire stronger faith, we crave closer 
 fellowship with Thee, we are anxious to obey more 
 fully Thy holy laws that we may harmonize our lives 
 with Thy divine purpose. Bless us to these ends 
 and bring us into Thy Kingdom. Amen. 
 
 Herbert W. Carr.
 
 76 Jftavc!) 14 
 
 He sang of joy; whate 'er he knew of sadness 
 He kept for his own heart's peculiar share: 
 
 So well he sang, the world imagined gladness 
 To be sole tenant there. 
 
 For dreams were his, and in the dawn's fair shining, 
 His spirit soared beyond the mounting lark; 
 
 But from his lips no accent of repining 
 Fell when the days grew dark. 
 
 And though contending long dread Fate to master, 
 He failed at last her enmity to cheat, 
 
 He turned with such a smile to face disaster 
 That he sublimed defeat. 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 Our Father, take Thy child by the hand and lead 
 me into the garden of life where I can breathe the 
 air of the upper world and listen to the music of the 
 angels and drink from the fountain of Heavenly 
 Joy. Keep me in Thy companionship and help 
 me to catch Thy divine spirit. Grant me courage 
 for the darkness and welcome for the light until the 
 shadows forever flee away and the new day breaks. 
 Amen. 
 
 Cortland Myers.
 
 Jttarti) 15 77 
 
 It is not the work, but the worry, 
 
 That wrinkles the smooth, fair face; 
 That blends gray hair with the dusky 
 
 And robs the form of its grace. 
 That dims the lustre and sparkle 
 
 Of eyes that were once so bright, 
 But now are heavy and troubled 
 
 With a weary despondent light. 
 
 It is not the work, but the worry, 
 
 That drives all sleep away, 
 As we toss and turn and wonder 
 
 About the cares of the day. 
 Do we think of the hands' hard labor, 
 
 Or the steps of the tired feet ? 
 Ah no ! but we plan and ponder 
 
 How to make both ends meet. 
 
 Inez May Felt. 
 
 Dear Father, we bring to Thine altar our eve- 
 ning's offering of another day's service. They are too 
 few and small we know, but we bring them in all 
 frankness and simplicity. We pray that Thou wilt 
 not judge our worthiness by the strength of our 
 hands; but that Thou wilt draw us so close to Thee 
 that we can interpret to Thee our mind's struggles 
 and heart's desires. We have gladly given out our 
 strength, but are weary and annoyed at the meagre 
 results, and are anxious for the things unrealized. 
 Give us, Father, that assurance and peace that will 
 fit us for rest and then grant us the gift of sleep. 
 Bring us to the privileges of the new day refreshed 
 in body and mind and renewed in faith. Amen. 
 
 A. B. Church.
 
 7» J**arc!j 16 
 
 The robin chants when the thrush is dumb, 
 Snow smoothes a bed for the clover, 
 
 Life flames anew, and days to come 
 Are sweet as the days that are over. 
 
 The tide that ebbs by the moon flows back, 
 Faith builds on the rums of sorrow, 
 
 The halcyon flutters in winter's track, 
 And night makes way for the morrow. 
 
 And ever a strain, of joys the sum, 
 Sings on in the heart of the lover — 
 
 In death sings on — that days to come 
 Are sweet as the days that are over ! 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 Dear Father, we believe Thou art speaking to us 
 every day; not a year in which Thou hast not spoken. 
 Thou art speaking now; Thou wilt be speaking to 
 us in the morning. Only let us be ready to hear 
 and to follow. We bless Thee for this hope of im- 
 mortality; we cherish it; we believe it; we will 
 walk in the light of it until the shadows flee away 
 and that light dawns that is never to set in darkness 
 again. Amen. 
 
 Minot J. Savage.
 
 JSlarci) 17 79 
 
 If it is not right, Jo not Jo it. If it is not true, Jo 
 not say it. 
 
 Marcus Aurelius. 
 
 It is only fools who make a mock at sin. The 
 sensitive, the highly strung, the easily tempteJ, the 
 men of goo J intentions, weak will, an J strong passions 
 — they know its agony, its thralJom, its reality. 
 Praise the Lor J ! He is never so far off as even to 
 be near. He is within in the ship of life; our spirit is 
 that which He holJs most Jear. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Dear Father in Heaven, I have walked this day 
 amid the fires of temptation which have beset me 
 without and within. I have known the impelling 
 force of passion imperfectly controlled. I have felt 
 the lure of the world's attraction. But, thanks be to 
 Thee, I have also felt the power of Thy love and the 
 influence of Thy holy spirit. I dare not say I have 
 this day succeeded. If I have not utterly failed it 
 is because I have not forgotten Thee. Help me to 
 love Thee better and to remember Thee more con- 
 stantly. May the love and the truth that are in 
 Thee so fill my life that all my thoughts, words, and 
 deeds shall be kind, true, helpful and obedient. 
 Help me by Thy grace so to live and so to pray that 
 each day, even in its errors and failures, may be the 
 parent of a better tomorrow. Amen. 
 
 Frederick W. Hamilton.
 
 8o iWarcfj 18 
 
 Not what we have, but what we use; 
 Not what we see, but what we choose — 
 These are the things that mar or bless 
 The sum of human happiness. 
 
 The things near by, not things afar; 
 Not what we seem, but what we are — 
 These are things that make or break, 
 That give the heart its joy or ache. 
 
 Not what seems fair, but what is true; 
 Not what we dream, but good we do — 
 These are the things that shine like gems, 
 Like stars, in Fortune's diadems. 
 
 Not as we take, but as we give; 
 Not as we pray, but as we live — 
 These are the things that make for peace , 
 Both now and after Time shall cease. 
 
 Clarence Urmy. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, O God, for the privilege 
 of life through another day, and for the help which 
 Thou hast given us to live our lives aright. We bless 
 Thee for the power to choose between things of 
 differing values, the high and low, the near and far, 
 the seen and unseen. We rejoice in the insight of 
 faith whereby we lay hold upon Thee, realize Thy 
 presence and dare to do the things we ought. For- 
 give us for our failure thus to make use of Thine 
 assistance, and give us grace in days to come so 
 steadfastly to walk in the pathway of Thy com- 
 mandments that all our life may be pleasing in Thy 
 sight, and that we may increasingly realize Thy 
 purpose concerning us. Amen. 
 
 Samuel Clarke Bushnell.
 
 Jflarcfi 19 81 
 
 / sought for Truth. I long had thought 
 She dwelt on high, from the world apart; 
 
 I found her, nearer than I had sought, 
 In the love and trust of a human heart. 
 
 I listened for Truth. Her voice, I deemed, 
 Was the voice of wisdom, deep and strong; 
 
 I heard her, sweeter than I had dreamed, 
 In the simple notes of a little song! 
 
 Eugene C. Dolson. 
 
 O God of Truth, who seekest truth in the hearts 
 of those who worship Thee, we bless Thy Name 
 that Thou hast given unto us the Spirit of Truth, 
 and that He now dwells within us. As the shadows 
 of the evening gather about us, we would lift our 
 hearts to Thee and pray that we may know Him 
 aright, and ever walk before Thee in the conscious- 
 ness that the Spirit of Christ, who is the Truth, 
 abides in our hearts. Heavenly Father, may the 
 Spirit of Thy Son, the Spirit of Truth, be our life, 
 and may His word, through Thy grace, be made 
 true in us. And now, O our Father, seal us in Thy 
 Truth, that our lives may abound with the gracious 
 fruits of the Spirit — yea that it may become a 
 constant hymn of praise to Thee, the Giver of every 
 good and perfect gift. Amen. 
 
 George M. Howe.
 
 82 Jflarcf) 20 
 
 In the early spring when the first venturous blossom 
 pushes its way out, tempted by a rare warmth, there 
 often comes a sudden chilling of the air. The snow 
 falls. How alone, bereft, and deserted this little mes- 
 senger of life must seem ! But if there should insinuate 
 itself into its little heart a belief that it is the child of 
 light, the child of the sun, and that this great shining 
 power has thought of this little blossom, would it not 
 be comforted ? What a snug feeling would come to it 
 when it knew that it was no longer a child of the win- 
 ter and of the cold, but of the heat and the light ! And 
 so, a man can come through many hard things in 
 life, if there dwell within him the belief that he is 
 the child of the King, that he is the son and heir of 
 Him who holds all things in His hands. How 
 courageous are his battles with himself, how hope- 
 fully he bears the burdens of his sorrows, knowing 
 that he is the child of light ! 
 
 Charles Luther Kloss. 
 
 Thou Eternal One, we rejoice in Thy boundless 
 power. Thou art the central source of all life and 
 all light. We rejoice that Thou hast made us as 
 Thy sons and daughters. Strengthen in us the glad 
 confidence that because Thou livest and lovest, we 
 shall live also. In all doubt, pain or anxiety we would 
 take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Full often 
 our days are overclouded and darkness gathers 
 thick about us. Help us to know that Thou dost 
 daily bear our burden. May all our way be bright 
 with the clear shining of Thy love. And bring to 
 our hearts Thy blessed Kingdom of peace. Amen. 
 
 Frank B. McAllister.
 
 JHarct) 21 8 3 
 
 God cares ! 
 How sweet the strain ! 
 My aching heart and weary brain 
 Are rested by the sweet refrain, — ■ 
 
 He cares, our Father cares ! 
 
 God cares ! 
 Oh, sing the song 
 In lonely spot, amid the throng: 
 'Twill make the way less hard and long y — 
 
 He cares, our Father cares ! 
 
 God cares ! 
 The words so sweet 
 My lips and life shall e'er repeat, 
 My burdens all left at His feet, — 
 
 God cares, He always cares ! 
 
 Helen A. Casterline. 
 
 Infinite and Eternal God, Thou who dost never 
 slumber nor sleep, Who through the long watches 
 of the night are earing for all the works of Thy 
 hand, we thank Thee for the gift of this day now 
 drawing to its close, and for the peace and joy and 
 strength which have come to us through its hours. 
 Grant, we pray Thee, that sweet sleep may be our 
 share this night, that we may rise to greet the morn- 
 ing light refreshed and renewed in body, mind and 
 soul. In the simple trust of a little child sinking to 
 rest upon its mother's breast, we give ourselves into 
 Thy keeping, now and forevermore. Amen. 
 
 H. D. Maxwell.
 
 8 4 JUatrcf) 22 
 
 Out of my grief I made a joy, 
 
 Out of my tears a song; 
 Since sorrow is so bard to bear 
 
 And life is overlong. 
 
 And peace I call the joy I made — ■ 
 
 Forgiveness is the song. 
 One could not have it otherwise 
 
 Since life is overlong. 
 
 Theodosia Garrison. 
 
 O Lord, Thou sendest the evening time once 
 more. Thou dost give us these quiet hours that we 
 may consider the gains and losses of the day, and the 
 still quieter hours in which we may rest in order that 
 we may work again. This day has brought us griefs 
 and tears. If these have come from our own faults, 
 forgive us freely. If they have come because con- 
 ditions have been adverse, or because others have 
 done us wrong, teach us that there may be a joy so 
 deeply lodged in our hearts that no man's hand can 
 take it from us. If we cannot have pleasure, give 
 us peace. Grant our spirits tonight a rest like that 
 which gentle sleep brings to our bodies so that we 
 may face the coming day with souls refreshed and 
 strength renewed and with the faith that life is very 
 good. Amen. 
 
 Edwin H .Hughes.
 
 J**arci) 23 85 
 
 Be not afraid to pray — to pray is right. 
 Pray, if thou canst, with hope; but ever pray, 
 Though hope be weak, or sick with long delay; 
 Pray in the darkness, if there be no light. 
 Far is the time, remote from human sight, 
 When war and discord on the earth shall cease; 
 Yet every prayer for universal peace 
 Avails the blessed time to expedite. 
 Whatever is good to wish, ask that of heaven, 
 Though it be what thou canst not hope to see; 
 Pray to be perfect, though material leaven 
 Forbid the spirit so on earth to be; 
 But if for any wish thou darest not pray, 
 Then pray to God to cast that wish away. 
 
 Hartley Coleridge. 
 
 O God, we thank Thee for another day and now 
 when weary with the work and care of this busy and 
 happy day, we thank Thee for the privilege of prayer. 
 We are too weary to tell how much we need, but we 
 know that we need Thee more than anything else. 
 We ask that we may learn the simplicity of prayer 
 and the reality of our Father. We pray that God 
 may give us the things that would do us good and 
 withhold from us the things that would do us harm. 
 We pray to be like our Master so that as men see 
 us they may see Him in us. Thus may our prayer 
 life be as natural, beautiful and helpful as God has 
 planned it. Amen. 
 
 George S. Butteks.
 
 86 JHarcf) 24 
 
 When storms arise 
 And dark'ning skies 
 
 About me threat'ning lower, 
 To Thee, O Lord, I raise mine eyes, 
 To Thee my tortured spirit flies 
 
 For solace in that hour. 
 
 Thy mighty arm 
 Will let no harm 
 
 Come near me nor befall me; 
 Thy voice shall quiet my alarm, 
 When life's great battle waxeth warm — 
 
 No foeman shall appall me. 
 
 Upon thy breast 
 Secure I rest, 
 
 From sorrow and vexation; 
 No more by sinful cares oppressed, 
 But in Thy presence ever blest, 
 
 O God of my salvation. 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar. 
 
 Creator of the world and Father of the souls 
 whom Thou hast made to dwell therein, Thou 
 who dost keep the heavens serenely blue while storms 
 rage in the lower air, grant us Thy peace in our little 
 lives. As we lay ourselves down to sleep and confide 
 ourselves to Thy protecting and preserving care, 
 grant us to feel through the darkness and stillness of 
 the night the brooding presence of Thy love. So 
 shall our sleep be sweet and when we wake, we 
 shall find ourselves still with Thee. The day shall 
 bring fresh life to soul as well as to body, and we 
 shall feel no ill because Thou art with us. Amen. 
 
 William H. Lyon.
 
 JHarcf) 25 87 
 
 Like a cradle rocking, rocking, 
 
 Silent, peaceful, to and fro, 
 Like a mother s sweet looks dropping 
 
 On the little face below, — 
 Hangs the green earth, swinging, turning, 
 
 Jarless, noiseless, safe, and slow: 
 Falls the light of God's face bending 
 
 Down and watching us beloiu. 
 
 And as feeble babes that suffer, 
 
 Toss and cry, and will not rest 
 Are the ones the tender mother 
 
 Holds the closest, loves the best, — 
 So when we are weak and wretched, 
 
 By our sins weighed down, distressed, 
 Then it is that God's great patience 
 
 Holds us closest, loves us best. 
 
 Saxe Holm. 
 
 The night is deepening, gracious Lord; be with 
 us through the darkness while we sleep. This is our 
 trust — that Thou, the sleepless Friend and Father 
 of us all, dost watch above us though the night be 
 long. If rest come not, if shame and sorrow for the 
 sins or failures of the day keep slumber from us, or, 
 if pain of any sort distress, give us of Thy peace. 
 Teach us the meaning of the words, " As one whom 
 his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you." For 
 rest, for pardon, for the consciousness of Thine 
 enfolding care — for this we pray, in the name of 
 Him through whom we know Thee best. Amen. 
 
 Francis H. Rowley.
 
 88 Jftarci) 26 
 
 / heard a raven croak, but I persuaded myself it 
 was the song of the nightingale. I smelled the smell 
 of the mould, but thought of the violets it nourished. 
 
 Thomas Hood. 
 
 There are in this loud stunning tide 
 Of human care and crime, 
 With whom the melodies abide 
 Of the everlasting chime, 
 Who carry music in their heart 
 Through dusky lane and wrangling mart, 
 Plying their daily task with busier feet, 
 Because their secret souls a holy strain repeat. 
 
 Keble. 
 
 O Lord, our God, so little loved, so little served, 
 save us from living loveless and faithless lives. Bring 
 us back, O Thou Shepherd of souls, from foolish 
 and selfish ways, and let us wander no more. So 
 reconcile us to Thy holy and blessed will that Thy 
 law may be our delight, Thy statutes our songs, and 
 duty and service and sacrifice be one with joy. Give 
 us wisdom and strength to meet and bear and use 
 aright all the circumstances of our days that we may 
 be trained by life to make melody in our hearts unto 
 the Lord. O Thou in whom there is eternal peace 
 and harmony, win us and all men to the obedience 
 of Jesus Christ who did Thy perfect will perfectly. 
 Amen. 
 
 John Hunter.
 
 JHarcf) 27 8 9 
 
 Only add 
 Deeds to thy knowledge answerable; add faith, 
 Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love, 
 By name to some called charity, the soul 
 Of all the rest: then wilt thou . . . possess 
 A Paradise within thee. 
 
 Milton. 
 
 All is well, I know, without; 
 I alone the beauty mar, 
 I alone the music jar 
 Yet, with hands by evil stained, 
 And an ear by discord pained 
 I am groping for the keys 
 Of the heavenly harmonies; 
 Still within my heart I bear 
 Love for all things good and fair. 
 
 John Greenleaf Whittier. 
 
 Ever-living and ever-loving Father, the day is far 
 spent; the gathering shadows bid us seek our nightly 
 rest; here we pause in conscious gratitude for the 
 blessings of the day. The busy world has brushed 
 us closely but we trust that we have been enabled 
 to impart to it some sweeter influence, and out of 
 our contact with one another, we hope that we have 
 built up our spiritual equipment, adding fresh knowl- 
 edge, a clearer faith, some definite virtue, a large 
 patience, a wise temperance, and above all a love 
 which asks no more for self than for all others. May 
 this power within put us in tune with Thy great 
 moral universe and so result in peace. Through 
 obedience, service, love, may we find the keys of the 
 heavenly harmonies. Amen. 
 
 L. W. Coons.
 
 9o J**arct) 28 
 
 Good things had befallen me all through the day: 
 A blessing of morsels, — small helps by the way; 
 Work running on even, and coming out right; 
 Bright thoughts with the morning, good words at the 
 night; 
 
 So evening was sweet, and as shadows fell deep, 
 My spirit was turned to the Lord of the sheep. 
 " Thou leadest ! Thou feedest ! " in silence I said: 
 " And the crumbs from thy hand are the best of the 
 bread. 
 
 " O dear daily bread, and the thought for no more ! 
 The not knowing whence, that is infinite store! 
 The grand peradventure it is to be poor, 
 Through sureness of watting on Him who is sure f " 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 O Thou great Shepherd of the sheep, led through 
 the day by Thee I have wanted nothing. Thou hast 
 found for me the still waters; cool and quiet they 
 have refreshed me. When thought has grown weary 
 and faith has hesitated, Thou hast restored my 
 soul. This little day of mine has brought to me 
 stern tests and hungry needs; into it Thou hast 
 poured the bounty of Thy limitless years. O how 
 strong art Thou ! How tender ! The evening rests 
 down upon me softly, because Thy strength is within 
 its shadows. Thou art more than my Shepherd; 
 Thou art my Father! Thou wilt not fail me, when 
 again comes the day; when in another morning's 
 light I look up into Thy face and say, " Give me 
 this day my daily bread." Amen. 
 
 Frank Mason North.
 
 Good-night ! 
 Be thy cares forgotten quite! 
 
 Day approaches to its close; 
 Weary nature seeks repose. 
 Till the morning dawns in light, 
 Good-night ! 
 
 Go to rest ! 
 Close thine eyes in slumber blest! 
 Now 'tis still and quiet all; 
 Hear we but the watchman's call. 
 And the night is still and blest. 
 Go to rest ! 
 
 Good-night! 
 Slumber till the morning light! 
 Slumber till the dawn of day 
 Brings its sorrow with its ray. 
 Sleep without or fear or fright ! 
 Our Father wakes! good-night ! good-night ! 
 From the German. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the day 
 and the night; for the blessed assurance that Thy 
 unfailing help is ever present in all our service by 
 day, and that Thy tender care is our rest by night. 
 Now the day is over and we come like tired children 
 from our hurts, our pains, our sorrows, our failures 
 to realize in the day all the promise of the morning. 
 We pray, our Father, that the night like a tender 
 and loving mother, may fold us gently in the soft 
 arms of sleep. Grant that in the great silence of the 
 night, deep into our hearts there may come, the 
 power, the joy, the peace of Thy Spirit. Amen. 
 
 George G. Hamilton.
 
 92 Jilarclj 30 
 
 Lord, make my heart a place where angels sing ! 
 
 For surely thoughts low-breathed by Thee 
 Are angels gliding near on noiseless wing; 
 
 And where a home they see 
 Swept clean and garnished with adoring joy, 
 
 They enter in and dwell, 
 
 And teach that heart to swell 
 With heavenly melody, their own untired employ. 
 
 John Keble. 
 
 Dear Father in Heaven, the sun has gone, the 
 night has fallen, but Thy love has not departed, 
 and Thy Spirit lingers to bless and comfort us. In 
 perfect confidence we give ourselves to sleep and 
 dreams. May our sleep be the sleep of rest and 
 peace. May our dreams be sweet, in which there 
 are no jarring notes of discord or despair. Unseen, 
 but not unfelt may heavenly powers minister unto 
 us. Help us to live so well each day, that all of 
 Heaven that bends over us in the night-watches, 
 may not be strange to us. Help us that day by day, 
 we may have the companionship of clean thoughts 
 and pure desires. So shall our hearts be fit abiding 
 places for all those holy ministries of Thy Spirit 
 and Thy truth, that we pray may attend us and make 
 us awake with joy, to the toil of another day. Amen. 
 
 Ransom A. Greene.
 
 J**arc!) 31 93 
 
 What if the battle end and thou hast lost ? 
 
 Others have lost the battle thou hast won; 
 Haste thee, bind thy wounds, nor count the cost; 
 Over the field will rise tomorrow' s sun. 
 'Tis all in a lifetime. 
 
 Edmund Clarence Stedman. 
 
 Through every web of life the dark threads run. 
 
 Oh, why and whither ? God knows all; 
 
 I only know that he is good, 
 
 And that whatever may befall 
 
 Or here or there, must be the best that could. 
 
 John Greenleaf Whittier. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we turn to Thee to find rest 
 in the calm of Thy Spirit. Help us to enter into its 
 peace after the weariness of this day's struggle. 
 Whatever we may have been able to do by Thy 
 grace do Thou use for Thy service and the advance- 
 ment of Thy Kingdom among Thy children in the 
 earth. In whatever we may have failed do Thou 
 in Thy great kindness turn to some good account 
 that it be not altogether lost; enable us to see clearly 
 the cause of our failure, giving us greater wisdom 
 and strength that we too may be able to turn it to 
 some good account; and refresh us anew by this 
 night's sleep for whatever tasks Thou mayst see fit 
 to assign us with the coming of another day. Amen. 
 
 George M. Harmon.
 
 94 ®PVil I 
 
 My name is April, sir; and I 
 
 Often laugh, as often cry; 
 
 And I cannot tell what makes me; 
 
 Only as the fit o'ertakes me 
 
 I must dimple, smile, and frown, 
 
 Laughing though the tears roll down. 
 
 But 'tis nature, sir, not art; 
 
 And I'm happy at my heart." 
 
 Z. B. GUSTAFSON. 
 
 Teach us, O God, to understand ourselves and 
 to be patient with ourselves. Like the moods of 
 April, like the flushing and waning tides, our spirits 
 change. Now this enthusiasm or that, now this 
 apathy or chill, seizes us, and makes us cry out for 
 a steadier and nobler mind. But forbid that we 
 should therefore lose courage or self-respect, so long 
 as we can find it in our hearts to love Thee and to 
 pray to Thee. May we realize and prove that the 
 relation of the soul to God is so natural that it may 
 sometime sink out of consciousness, and that health 
 of the soul is shown by its very response and adapta- 
 tion to the varieties of experience. Therefore we 
 pray this night, not for one uninterrupted mood of 
 piety, but that the thought of Thy nearness and 
 Fatherhood may underlie and tincture every other 
 thought, in increasing the joy of joy, as well as easing 
 the burden of sorrow. Amen. 
 
 C. Ellwood Nash.
 
 &pril 2 95 
 
 'Tis spring again and the woods are wet 
 
 With the gracious gift of the April rain, 
 The sign of approaching summer is set 
 
 In the tender green of the plain, 
 The robin rests in his fight and shakes 
 
 A clinging drop from his shining wing, 
 And over the woodland silence breaks 
 
 The first sweet song of the spring! 
 
 'Tis spring again and the grasses hark 
 
 To the magic message the winds convey, 
 The flowers push through the damp and the dark 
 
 To star the meadows of May; 
 The rivers long in the winter s trance 
 
 Now over the rocks their waters flmg, 
 Or softly steal where the sunbeams glance 
 
 Through the blossoms and buds of spring. 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 Our Father: that is the word we need — our 
 Father — for it is the word that the evening calls 
 for. We know that we cannot walk in the day any 
 better than in the night without Thee, we seem to be 
 able to depend on ourselves in the light but in the night 
 we must cast our all on Thee. The winter through 
 which we have just passed has given us a new confi- 
 dence in Thee for out of it spring has come. And we 
 have learned, not that we should endure the winter in 
 hopes of spring but that the boisterous winter was 
 just as perfectly Thy love message as is the sweet 
 spring. O God, there are many nights and many 
 winters, give us the faith spirit that makes them into 
 morning and into spring. Amen. • 
 
 Albert C. Grier.
 
 96 &jml 3 
 
 If any little word of mine 
 
 May make a life the brighter, 
 If any little song of mine. 
 
 May make a heart the lighter, 
 God help me speak the little word 
 
 And take my bit of singing, 
 And drop it in some lonely vale, 
 
 To set the echoes ringing. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 If you bring a smile to the trembling lips of another, 
 you will soon discover that a smile is alighting on your 
 own lips, like a butterfly on a flower. 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we come to the close of an- 
 other day, weary and worn, but thankful and happy. 
 We believe that all our days are given to us out of Thy 
 great love, and that in some wise way Thou dost 
 make them minister to our real needs. Therefore 
 we can thank Thee, O Lord God, for the sunshine and 
 the shadow of each day, for the bitterness and the 
 sweetness of our lives. We rejoice in the joy of other 
 hearts and in the privilege of sharing our own courage, 
 strength and gladness with our fellowmen. Touch 
 our lips with holy fire, that they may utter only words 
 of truth and love; fill our souls with light and music, 
 that the only songs we shall sing may breathe a mes- 
 sage of peace and hope to all who hear. Thus shall 
 we be in living communion with Thee and through us 
 in some slight measure the blessings of spiritual har- 
 mony may flow. Amen. 
 
 Willard Chamberlain Selleck.
 
 ^jirfl 4 97 
 
 Has Fate overwhelmed thee with some sudden blow ? 
 
 Let thy tears flow; 
 But know when storms are past, the heavens appear 
 
 More pure, more clear; 
 And hope, when farthest from their shining rays, 
 
 For brighter days. 
 
 Hast thou found life a cheat, and worn in vain 
 
 Its iron chain ? 
 Hast thy soul bent beneath earth's heavy bond? 
 
 Look thou beyond; 
 If life is bitter, — there forever shine 
 
 Hopes more divine. 
 
 Adelaide A. Procter. 
 
 Our Father which art in Heaven, we turn to Thee 
 as the shades of evening gather close about us, ear- 
 nestly desiring to feel Thy presence near. We would 
 experience the confidence and peace of the Psalmist, 
 when he wrote, " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall 
 not want." We know not what awaits us on the 
 morrow, but we know we shall have need of poise, 
 of serenity, of faith and of strength. Therefore, 
 O most loving Father, may we forget all that has been 
 perplexing and distressing during the day, and like 
 tired children, nestle in thy loving embrace, to sleep 
 the sleep that shall mean a renewal of body and soul 
 on the morrow. Amen. 
 
 Nellie Mann Opdale.
 
 9 8 ®pvil 5 
 
 Perhaps he shows us things, sometimes, and puts 
 them away again for us, to give us. by and by, when 
 we are bigger; as mothers do with children's playthings 
 that are too beautiful for them to have right off. 
 
 When people don't know which way to turn, it is 
 very often good not to turn at all : if they are driven they 
 do know. It is almost always when things are all 
 blocked up and impossible, that a happening comes 
 It has to. A dead block can't last, any more than o 
 vacuum. If you are sure you are looking and ready, 
 that is all you need. God is turning the world round 
 all the time. 
 
 Mrs. A. T. D. Whitney. 
 
 O God of light, as the evening shades descend and 
 stars, one by one, shine forth; so, as the shadows of 
 life gather about us through the darkness may Thy 
 light shine revealing the hidden joys and riches 
 of eternity. As Jesus taught, " love worketh no ill 
 to his neighbor," so upon our awakening from sleep 
 may we learn to know and love our neighbor, hitherto 
 a stranger. We pray that Thou wilt accept us in the 
 service of faith and love, and that Thou wilt help us 
 to place all our hope and dependence in Thee. Help 
 us to overcome the disappointments of time, that we 
 may entertain the joys of eternity. Amen. 
 
 George A. Sahlin.
 
 &jjril 6 99 
 
 / think if thou couldst knoiu, 
 
 O soul that will complain, 
 What lies concealed below 
 
 Our burden and our pain; 
 
 How just our anguish brings 
 
 Nearer those longed-for things 
 
 We seek for now in vain, — 
 / think thou wouldst rejoice, and not complain. 
 
 And yet thou canst not know, 
 
 And yet thou canst not see; 
 Wisdom and sight are slow 
 
 In poor humanity. 
 
 If thou couldst trust, poor soul, 
 
 In Him who rules the whole, 
 
 Thou wouldst find peace and rest: 
 Wisdom and sight are well, but trust is best. 
 Adelaide A. Procter. 
 
 Our Father, we rejoice that Thy knowledge is as 
 perfect as Thy goodness and mercy and that love 
 tempers and controls Thy acquaintance with all our 
 ways. Teach us to restrain our complaints. Put a 
 new song in our mouth, even praise to the Most High. 
 Create within us trustful as well as clean hearts; 
 and make us desire more Thyself than the things Thou 
 canst give. When we walk in the valley of disappoint- 
 ment or sorrow, give us, we pray Thee, the light of 
 hope and the guide of faith. May we hear the Divine 
 Voice saying to us as to the disciples of old, " My 
 peace I give unto you; " and help us to encourage 
 others with that comfort wherewith we ourselves are 
 comforted of God. Amen. 
 
 Frank W. Merrick.
 
 ioo &j)nl 7 
 
 Did early hope 
 
 Dream of a gentler slope, 
 
 Tuneful with Spring's alluring roundelay, 
 
 And bright 
 
 With cloudless light 
 
 Poured on thy joyful way ? 
 
 Ah, courage keep; 
 
 Press on and scale the steep 
 
 Till thou the last sharp, rugged crag shall climb; 
 
 There shalt thou gain a view far more sublime, 
 
 And fairer seem thy track 
 
 When looking back ! 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 Our Father of the sunset and the evening, let us feel 
 the silent providence of Thy love. Help us to recall 
 the glad achievement of Thy presence in the eager 
 moments of endeavor; and now in the restfulness of 
 sweet fatigue lead us into communion with Thy 
 strength. Let Thy covering of the friendly night 
 protect us for the morrow's task, and so, mature within 
 the waiting breast the high enterprise of the coming 
 day. Lead us up the pathway of the vales and along 
 the firm footing of the crags until we stand upon the 
 heights of life and see Thy beauty in the stars and 
 in the light of day. As we look back upon Thy com- 
 panionship in the toil and pain of our adventure, let 
 us see the fair wisdom of the way; and grant to us the 
 power to share Thy patience and Thine everlasting 
 courage. Amen. 
 
 Daniel Dulaney Addison.
 
 Slprtl 8 ioi 
 
 Let us try to be sensible; let us try to be good-natured; 
 let us try to be fair. 
 
 Charles Dickens. 
 
 Be a good comrade. Learn the secret of good com- 
 radeship. Many men do not know it at all. Be just, 
 strong, frank, fearless, independent, but add your 
 strength to the strength of your fellows. Do not stand 
 aloof, or sulk, or be unsocial. Do not jeer at other 
 men and find fault with them. Learn to do " team 
 work" learn to cooperate. Give and take in friendly 
 conversation. Be generous. 
 
 Charles F. Dole. 
 
 We bring to Thee, our heavenly Father and our 
 earthly Comrade, the day just closing, and ask Thy 
 benediction upon it. Forgive the wrongs we have 
 done. Forgive the foolish things that mar our pleasure 
 as we recall the day's experiences. As Thou art 
 
 faithful and just to forgive," may we try to forget 
 all that Thou art willing to forgive. We bless Thee 
 for whatever of success the day has brought us, and 
 we thank Thee for all its many gladnesses, for " every 
 good gift and every perfect gift " is from Thee. May 
 the memory of Thy goodness and Thy grace today be 
 an incentive to a stronger faith on the morrow. May 
 the days to come see less of wrong and more of loving 
 loyalty to Thyself. May we be true comrades with 
 one another in the inspiration of Thine own true 
 comradeship. Amen. 
 
 Clarence F. Swift.
 
 102 3jnii 9 
 
 Here is a door that opens on 
 
 A chamber darkened full of gloom. 
 A ghostly light shines in upon 
 
 The dwellers in this spacious room. 
 Here fear and trouble pace about, 
 
 Anxiety and woe and grief, 
 Foreboding weariness and doubt 
 
 And worry that escapes relief. 
 This door I call " Forgetfulness " — 
 
 In letters deep the word is cut — 
 And, though the dwellers madly press, 
 
 I keep it ever tightly shut. 
 
 This other door "Remembrance " is, 
 
 It opens on a cheerful scene — 
 Past joys and little tastes of bliss 
 
 And happy moments that have been. 
 Dear peace and sweet content are here 
 
 And little deeds of kindness done 
 And hope and love and faith and cheer 
 
 And blessings that my life hath won. 
 This door is open all the while, 
 
 Flung wide that every one may share 
 Possessions that make life a smile 
 
 And put to rout all thoughts of care. 
 
 John Kendrick Bangs. 
 
 Dear Father in heaven, we would forget the failures 
 and prejudices of the past. We would put them be- 
 hind us and bury them in the sea of oblivion. Let us 
 as we lie down to sleep forget all the heartache and 
 sorrow and remember only that we are still with Thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 Joseph K. Mason.
 
 &$vil 10 ic 3 
 
 / heard a robin singing in the rain, 
 
 Its bird-soul pleading low. Again, again 
 
 It called to those sore-spent ivith Life's dull sting 
 
 To open their soul-windows to the Spring. 
 
 Surely it seemed those vibrant notes might lend 
 
 Fresh courage; my tired heart defend 
 
 'Gainst utter numbness. Yet all sound 
 
 First touched my senses, sorrow-bound, in vain, 
 
 E'en as the tranquil cadence of the rain 
 
 Upon a home deserted, lone, remote. 
 
 And then there fell one low, pulsating note, 
 
 That jarred a slumbering hurt and freshly smote 
 
 My soul, awoke the old, insistent pain; 
 
 New consciousness and heart to fight again. 
 
 Mary Baldwin. 
 
 O Lord, we thank Thee for the revelation of Thyself 
 in Thy Word and in Nature. Jesus gathered lessons 
 from the sower who went forth to sow; the sparrow 
 worth half a farthing, and the lilies in their beauty. 
 All Nature speaks of Thee. Thy power upholdeth the 
 mountains and gives lustre to the insect's wing. The 
 sunshine and the rain are Thine; Thine is the Land 
 and Thine the sea. All Nature praises Thee and we 
 praise Thee. We give thanks for the sunlight and 
 for the shadows; for the changing seasons; for joy 
 and for sorrow too. 
 
 Even sorrow touched by Thee grows bright 
 With more than rapture's ray, 
 As darkness shows us worlds of light 
 We never saw by day." 
 
 We rest in Thee. May Thy guardian angels watch 
 over us while we sleep. Amen. 
 Robert Forbes.
 
 io4 &j>ril 11 
 
 / know a boy across the way 
 Who whistles all the livelong day! 
 I pause to listen, glad to hear 
 His shrill crescendos, sweet and clear. 
 
 He's all a boy, a sturdy lad; 
 He's always gay and always glad, 
 For care and trouble dare not stay — 
 He simply whistles them away! 
 
 He has his daily tasks to do, 
 His morning chores, his lessons, too; 
 And yet he whistles like a lark 
 From early dawn to falling dark. 
 
 O wise yet boyish friend of mine! 
 What true philosophy is thine! 
 Thy joy is catching — / would be 
 A messenger of cheer, like thee! 
 
 Lew Marston Ward. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast 
 put some song into every heart. Often we allow it 
 to be suppressed before it is articulated. By the dis- 
 couragements of the day, by the ills of the body, by 
 the suggestions of our own thoughts we kill the song 
 that would find expression. Oh help us to throw oft 
 the sorrow and the fear and the anxiety and with 
 glad abandon sing as the boy would sing or whistle, 
 the pent up music of his heart. So may we by ex- 
 pression make our gladness more. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 &|jrfl 12 105 
 
 A kiss of greeting is sweet and rare 
 
 After the toil of the day, 
 And it smoothes the furrows plowed by care, 
 The lines of the forehead you once called fair, 
 
 In the years that have flown away. 
 
 'Tts a little thing to say " You are kind," 
 
 I love you, my dear," each night; 
 But it sends a thrill through the heart, I find — 
 For love is tender, as love is blind — 
 As we climb life's rugged height. 
 
 We starve each other for love's caresses; 
 
 We take, but we do not give; 
 It seems so easy some soul to bless, 
 But we dole the love grudgingly, less and less, 
 Till 'tis bitter and hard to live. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 God of the morning and evening, through the day 
 Thou hast been our protector, through the night wilt 
 Thou be our guardian ? Wilt Thou blot from Thy book 
 of remembrance the injustice we have done, the unkind 
 word that we have spoken, the unloving thought which 
 we have cherished, anything and everything that 
 has made life harder or sadder for our kind ? May 
 our prayer for forgiveness for our sins be a pledge to 
 Thee that the new day shall be a day of larger loyalty 
 to Thee and of greater service to our fellows. Let 
 Thy iove watch over us as loving mothers love and 
 watch their babes, and sleeping or waking may we be 
 enfolded in the arms of Him to whom the darkness 
 and the light are both alike. Amen. 
 Almon Gunnison.
 
 io6 &#vil 13 
 
 You were made for enjoyment and the world was 
 filled with things which you will enjoy, unless you are 
 too proud to be pleased by them, or too grasping to care 
 for what you cannot turn to other account than mere 
 delight. 
 
 RUSKIN. 
 
 For ages, happiness has been represented as a huge, 
 precious stone, impossible to find, which people seek 
 for hopelessly. It is not so; happiness is a mosaic, 
 composed of a thousand little stones, which separately 
 and of themselves have little value, but which united 
 with art form a graceful design. 
 
 De Girardin. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our Saviour and our 
 constant Friend, we thank Thee that Thou wast 
 pleased to bring us into this world of Thine as chil- 
 dren who lay upon their mothers' breasts in trust and 
 who there learned contentment. We thank Thee for 
 Thy Son who preserved His childlike trust through 
 life and through the agony of death. We thank Thee 
 that through Him we have learned the beauty and 
 the righteousness of peace and joy. In His Name 
 we thank Thee for all things bright and good that have 
 ministered to our cheer today. We lament befon 
 Thee those wilful stirrings of our pride which have 
 turned this beauty to ashes and this praise to heaviness. 
 And before we sleep we thank Thee for Thy forgive- 
 ness and lay us down under the ordered brilliance of 
 Thy stars and with the holy hope of a life everlasting. 
 Amen. 
 
 Ambrose W. Vernon.
 
 ajnil 14 107 
 
 0, holy Night ! from thee I learn to bear 
 
 What man has borne before! 
 Thou layest thy finger on the lips of Care, 
 
 And they complain no more. 
 
 Peace! Peace! Orestes-like I breathe this prayer! 
 
 Descend with broad-winged flight, 
 The welcome, the thrice-prayed-for, the most fair, 
 
 The best-beloved Night ! 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 O Lord, let this be a time to be alone, to be quiet 
 and to be serene, a time to think charitably; a time 
 to realize that the world is large and that I am tiny; 
 a time to be brave and to be fair of soul. O God, 
 grant me this and that I may be fully born in the 
 character of my noblest dreams of day or night. 
 And I ask that no morning flood of light, or noon- 
 day fire, or evening chill may ever again surprise 
 me as less than this. Amen. 
 
 Elihu Grant.
 
 108 &j)til 15 
 
 " Thy sun shall no more go down. Neither shall 
 thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thine 
 everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall 
 be ended." 
 
 Isaiah 60: 20. 
 
 For darkness passes; storms shall not abide; 
 
 A little patience, and the fog is past. 
 After the sorrow of the ebbing tide, 
 
 The singing floods return in joy at last. 
 
 The night is long and pain weighs heavily, 
 But God will hold His world above despair. 
 
 Look to the east, where up the lurid sky 
 
 The morning climbs ! The day shall yet be fair. 
 
 Celia Thaxter. 
 
 Father, we believe that we stand here in the midst 
 of the turmoil with the sounds of pain in our ears 
 and the sights of evil saddening our hearts, and still 
 may trust in God, believing that this mighty maze 
 is not without a plan, believing that there is a heart 
 that loves, a hand that guides and an intelligence 
 that points out the way to that final victory which 
 shall make the process through which we are passing 
 here grandly worth while. Lead us as Thou wilt. 
 Let the sun shine on us, let the rains fall, let the way 
 be mist-hidden; but still let us clasp Thy hand and 
 stand waiting for the way to open, or taking the next 
 step as soon as it appears, — in any case, trusting 
 in Thee, and lifted and led by the thought of Thy 
 goodness forever. Amen. 
 
 Minot J. Savage.
 
 Styril 16 109 
 
 When we open our eyes morning after morning and 
 find the old struggle on which we closed our eyes last 
 night awaiting us; . . . when all our habits and 
 thoughts have become entwined and colored with some 
 tyrannical necessity, which, however much it may 
 change the form of its tyranny, will never let us go, — 
 it grows so hard as almost to appear impossible for 
 us to anticipate that that dominion ever is to dis- 
 appear. But the day comes, nevertheless. Some 
 morning we go out to meet the old struggle and it is 
 not there. . . . Things do get done, and when any- 
 thing is really finished, then come thoughtful mo- 
 ments in which we ask ourselves whether we have let 
 that which we shall know no longer do for us all that 
 it had in its power to do, whether we are carrying out 
 of the finished experience that which it has all along 
 been trying to give to our characters and souls. 
 
 Phillips Brooks. 
 
 Dear Father, ere we rest our bodies this night, we 
 would compose our minds and solace our spirits by 
 a moment of communion with Thee. The day has 
 brought its labors and cares and some of its hours 
 have been filled with anxieties. Though the day is 
 done, its perplexities remain, and in the darkness 
 they even seem greater. We bear up to Thee, O 
 Thou unwearied and unperplexed Guardian of our 
 lives, the burdens we have not been able to dismiss, 
 and pray that it may be Thy good pleasure that when 
 morning dawns again, we may find them gone. Only 
 let it be Thy holy will that the good our cares and 
 worries are fitted to educe, be not lost out of our lives. 
 So may Thy peace ever enfold us. Amen. 
 
 I. M. Atv.ood.
 
 no @LpVil 17 
 
 When I compare 
 What I have lost with what I have gained, 
 What I have missed with what attained, 
 Little room do I find for pride. 
 
 I am aware 
 How many days have been idly spent; 
 How like an arrow the good intent 
 Has fallen short or been turned aside. 
 
 But who shall dare 
 To measure loss and gain in this wise? 
 Defeat may be victory in disguise; 
 
 The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide. 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 Truly, O Lord, we have left undone those things 
 which we ought to have done and we have done those 
 things which we ought not to have done. At best we 
 are but unprofitable servants. But Thou, O Lord, 
 who art not quick to mark iniquity, Thou art quick 
 to discern the good intents and purposes of our hearts. 
 Like as a father joys in them so dost Thou joy in 
 them and dost perceive them when yet they are a great 
 way off. Thou judgest us not by what we are but 
 by what we would be. O Lord, increase our faith, 
 and grant us a due sense of Thy wondrous com- 
 passions. Teach us how to rest in Thee, the com- 
 fort of the sorrowing and the lifter-up of all who fall. 
 Awaken us on the morrow with strength renewed for 
 gladsome service of Thee and of Thy Kingdom. 
 Amen. 
 
 Christopher W. Collier.
 
 StJJtil 18 in 
 
 Beat thou with joy, my Heart, for thou dost beat 
 
 Within the fount of love that beats in thee ! 
 
 Rise and breathe free, my Soul / Thou breathest not 
 
 In earthly damps, but in the air of God. 
 
 Sail joyful forth, my Ship of Life ! Nor wind, 
 
 Nor wave, can work thee harm ! Thy haven is 
 
 Thine anchor. Even wreck is still in God. 
 
 Luella Dowd Smith. 
 
 Infinite Love, fill our hearts from the fountain 
 of Thy goodness. May we know that only in love 
 do we truly live and move and have our being. May 
 we know the joy of living in the light and air of devo- 
 tion and service to others. May we sleep in peace 
 and the morning deepen our consciousness and joy 
 that we are called to the heavenly dignity of fellow- 
 workers with Thee in creating among men the king- 
 dom of love, peace and joy. May we call the Pilot of 
 Galilee aboard our ship and outride the storms of 
 life's sea of change and temptations. We thank Thee 
 for our Captain's strong, firm hand on the rudder of 
 the world's ship of progress making against every 
 wind of disaster for the port of truth, liberty and 
 righteousness. Amen. 
 
 Richmond Fisk.
 
 H2 ®$vil 19 
 
 So many gods, so many creeds, 
 So many ways that wind and wind; 
 While just the art of being kind 
 Is all this sad world needs.. 
 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 You will find, as you look back upon your life, that 
 the moments that stand out — the moments when you 
 have really lived — are the moments when you have 
 done things in a spirit of love. As memory scans the 
 past, above and beyond all the transitory pleasures 
 of life there leap forward those supreme hours when you 
 have been enabled to do unnoticed kindnesses to those 
 round about you, things too trifling to speak about, but 
 which you feel have entered into your eternal life. 
 
 Henry Drummond. 
 
 Father, Thou hast given me another day to live 
 and love and labor, and now, while the night shades 
 fall around me and rest time draws near, I thank 
 Thee for all that this day has meant to me. When the 
 morrow comes, with its new opportunities and its 
 new messages and its new experiences, may I move 
 through it stronger, braver, kinder, truer, because of 
 the love and the light which has so filled today. 
 Teach me,- my Father, to love as Thou dost love. 
 Help me to love my fellow men. Help me to know 
 their needs, their sorrows, their heart hunger, their 
 spiritual yearnings, and then strengthen me to go to 
 them, in the spirit of Jesus, and do all that lieth in 
 my power to make the morrow brighter and happier 
 and more heaven-like for them. And may that " peace 
 which passeth all understanding," be theirs, and 
 mine, forever. Amen. 
 Hazen Conklin.
 
 Hjltfl 20 113 
 
 // isn't raining rain to me, 
 
 It's raining daffodils; 
 In every dimpled drop I see 
 
 Wild flowers on the bills. 
 The clouds of grey engulf the day 
 
 And overwhelm the town — 
 It isn't raining rain to me, 
 
 It's raining roses down. 
 
 It isn't raining rain to me 
 
 But fields of clover bloom, 
 Where any buccaneering bee 
 
 May find a bed and room, 
 A health unto the happy 
 
 A fig for him who frets — 
 It isn't raining rain to me, 
 
 It's raining violets. 
 
 Robert Loveman. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we rejoice in that inner vision 
 which makes us superior to anything that can happen 
 in the world about us; which enables us to see the 
 summer when it is winter, to see the sun when the 
 clouds are thick, to think of daffodils, clover blossoms 
 and violets when the rain is falling. Help us to look 
 with eyes of faith beyond all failure, all misfortune, 
 all threatened disaster, to the finer and larger ends of 
 life. Lead us on with hope. Build us up in righteous 
 purpose and crown our lives with peace. Amen. 
 George L. Perin.
 
 ii 4 &j)rii 21 
 
 Oh, if a man could be but as a star, 
 Having bis place appointed here to rise 
 And there to set, unchanged by earthly change, 
 Content if it can guide some wandering bark, 
 Or be a beacon to some home-sick soul! 
 
 Edward Rowland Sill. 
 
 We are to take it for granted that every creature of 
 God is in some way good, and has a duty and specific 
 operation providentially accessory to the well-being 
 of all. 
 
 RUSKIN. 
 
 Almighty Father Eternal, Unchangeable, who 
 blesseth all; who sendest the sunshine and the storm 
 whose gifts upon the worthy and the outcast fall 
 whose mighty arm holdest in safety all Thy children 
 whose goodness and perfection guidest our steps in 
 the pathway of eternal life, — from the dawning light 
 through the noontide heat until the evening calm 
 Thy servant hath toiled for the daily needs and in 
 loving service to the neighbor and the friend. O 
 Father! If we have wrought deeds helpful and sweet 
 and kind and pure, have heartened any soul, made a 
 little brighter for another and safer the King's high- 
 way, comforted any heart with something of the love 
 wherewith Thou comfortest me, grant Thy gracious 
 word," Well done! " Our deeds, unfruitful, O Lord, 
 forgive! Amen. 
 
 Arthur W. Littlefield.
 
 apcil 22 115 
 
 Remember, you cannot see both sides of the coin at 
 once. When you are discouraged by the striving of 
 the animal nature and utterly disgusted with yourself 
 and hating yourself as wholly unre generate, the noblest 
 exercise of your mental faculty is to force yourself to turn 
 over the coin of yourself, and think intensely into the 
 other side. Say ' But I am the Lord's; His image is 
 stamped on me. His life is in me; His eternal purpose 
 is my perfection. My true ego is His Divine Spirit. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 O Thou, who art the strength of my days, and the 
 comfort of my nights, to whom shall I go, but unto 
 Thee, when the shadows veil my sight and the din of 
 the closing day lingers in my ears. My spirit feels 
 the jar of the world's restlessness; my heart seems 
 so scant of courage, and my will so feeble to do Thy 
 will. Hold Thou my hand, while on bended knee I 
 seek that light which makes the night brighter than 
 the day. As the shadows dissolve I behold Thine 
 image in me so long obscured. I turn my darkened 
 side to Thee, my sun and my shield. Open my eyes 
 to the grace and beauty of Thy divine reflection in my 
 being. Defend me in my weakness and clothe me 
 safely round with infinite love and wisdom. Amen. 
 
 William Frederick Dickerman.
 
 n6 SjirU 23 
 
 7^'j- ^ kindly hearts of earth that make 
 
 This good old world worth while, 
 It's the lips with tender words that wake 
 
 The care-erasing smile. 
 And I ask my soul this question when 
 
 My goodly gifts I see, — 
 Am I a friend to as many men 
 
 As have been good friends to me ? 
 
 When my brothers speak a word of praise 
 
 My wavering will to aid, 
 I ask if ever their long, long ways 
 
 My words have brighter made. 
 And to my heart I bring again 
 
 This eager, earnest plea, — 
 Make me a friend to as many men 
 
 As are good, staunch friends to me. 
 
 Nixon Waterman. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we pray Thee to help us to 
 follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Master who 
 had compassion on men, was touched with the 
 feeling of their infirmities, healed their sicknesses, 
 went about doing good. May our ministries be 
 offered in His name, and for the sake of His Kingdom 
 on earth. Increase our love for Thee, that our love 
 for our fellow men may be more effective in service 
 for their good. Make us glad to do all faithful work 
 for Thee here, in the assurance that, at the last, when 
 life's evening comes, the Master will say — "Inas- 
 much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these 
 my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Amen. 
 
 William E. Huntington.
 
 Sljuil 24 117 
 
 He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed 
 often and loved much; who has gained the respect of 
 intelligent men and the love of little children; who 
 has piled his niche and accomplished his task; who 
 has left the world better than he found it, whether by 
 an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; 
 who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty, 
 or failed to express it ; who has always looked for the 
 best in others and given the best he had; whose life 
 was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction. 
 
 Bessie A. Stanley. 
 
 Almighty and loving Heavenly Father; the evening 
 darkness has come, another day's record is before 
 Thee. Grant that what we have done in love may 
 have brought the smile to some weary face, gladness 
 and comfort to some sad heart. Grant that we may 
 have won the respect of men by our manliness and 
 the affection of children by our gentleness. Grant 
 that trying to fulfil Thy plan for us today this strange 
 world may be a little better for our living, our serving. 
 Bless, O God, our personal endeavor to exalt the 
 beautiful and the good and our effort to search out 
 and uplift a soul. We are grateful for life. Keep 
 us by Thy grace at our best and because we are the 
 friends of Christ help us to be always and ever a 
 hope and a blessing to everyone. Amen. 
 
 Charles F. Weeden.
 
 n8 ®pvil 25 
 
 Be strong. 
 
 The way is steep, the way is long; 
 
 There is no ending till thy strength shall end, — 
 And yet, be strong. 
 
 Be brave. 
 
 The night is dark, the goal's the grave. 
 
 They need not courage who have Hope for friend, 
 But thou, be brave. 
 
 L. B. Bridgman. 
 
 O God, our Father, we thank Thee for the night. 
 We bless Thee that through its darkness and perils, 
 we are under the watch-care and protection of One 
 who never slumbers nor sleeps, and that therefore 
 we are not afraid for the terror by night, nor for the 
 pestilence that walketh in darkness. We thank Thee 
 for all the rich blessings which the night brings, its 
 quiet and rest, its sleep, its refreshment for the body, 
 its revelations, its lessons. And whenever the night 
 comes to us, grant us all these blessings which the 
 darkness may bring. Give us sleep; or if this should 
 be denied us, give us the peace that comes from 
 knowing that Thou art watching over us, and in the 
 stillness of its wakeful hours, when all other voices 
 are hushed, may we hear Thy voice. And then at 
 last bring us to the land of which it is said " there 
 shall be no night there; and they need no candle 
 neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth 
 them light." Amen. 
 
 William Wirt King.
 
 ^Urtl 26 119 
 
 Our course is onward, onward into light: 
 
 What though the darkness gather eth amain. 
 
 Yet to return or tarry, both are vain. 
 
 How tarry, when around us is thick night ? 
 
 Whither return ? what flower yet ever might, 
 
 In days of gloom, and cold, and stormy rain, 
 
 Enclose itself in its green bud again, 
 
 Hiding from wrath of tempest out of sight? 
 
 Courage ! — we travel through a darksome cave; 
 
 But still, as nearer to the light we draw, 
 
 Fresh gales will reach us from the upper air, 
 
 And wholesome dews of heaven our foreheads lave, 
 
 The darkness lightens more, till full of awe 
 
 We stand in the open sunshine — unaware. 
 
 Richard Chenevix Trench. 
 
 O God, Father of us all, hear our prayer. The 
 day is past. The night is come. While the day was 
 we were in Thy hands and the objects of Thy tender 
 solicitude. While the night is may we not depart out 
 of Thy care and keeping. Give sleep to our eyes and 
 slumber to our eyelids. Give refreshing rest to our 
 bodies, wearied with the burden-bearing. Give sweet 
 content to our minds cumbered with many anxieties. 
 Give comfort to our hearts, heavy, it may be, with 
 sorrow, and torn, it may be, with anguish. Give peace 
 to our spirits, disturbed by our fretfulness, disquieted 
 by our disappointments, distraught, perchance, by our 
 unbelief. May the spirit of fear depart. May the 
 spirit of love abide. Grant unto us quietness and 
 peace in the night watches. And may we face the new 
 day with a new access of joy and hope and courage, 
 and with the purpose of high service holding undis- 
 puted sway over our hearts. Amen. 
 
 Stephen J. Herben.
 
 i2o &J)til 27 
 
 Whither upon this strange and changeful sea — 
 
 Now calm, now joyful, sparkling in the sun 
 
 As if a million diamonds rained from heaven, 
 
 Now dark with gathering clouds, now swept by storm — 
 
 Drifts my frail bark, beset with doubts and fears? 
 
 I cannot clearly see, the night comes on, 
 
 The hoarse gale blows its bellowing trumpets wild, 
 
 And like a shroud the dread mist wraps me in. 
 
 I fear the night, I hear the breakers grind 
 
 Upon the cruel, threatening rocks. But still 
 
 To guide me on my way, to quell my fear, 
 
 From the far shores, with oft-repeated tones, 
 
 I hear a steady signal blowing loud 
 
 Through the thick night, above the tempest's roar, 
 
 With clarion voice proclaiming : God is Love. 
 
 In vain the angry winds that voice defy, 
 
 In vain their tumult would His signal drown, 
 
 In vain the murky fog would smother it; 
 
 Through all the storm, through all the doubt and gloom, 
 
 I hear the broken echoes answer: Love I 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for a measure of faith 
 in the " love that will not let us go." We pray that 
 this faith may fail not in the darkness. May it be 
 strong enough to stand the strain of life. When 
 the mists shut in about us, when the storms brew 
 and mutter, when " the shadows of the evening are 
 stretched out," help us still to believe in God, whose 
 goodness faileth not by day or night. Give us to 
 fall quietly asleep this night in the happy conscious- 
 ness, that always there standeth One within the 
 shadows, " keeping watch above his own." Amen. 
 
 Lucius H. Bugbee.
 
 SMnit 28 121 
 
 The world is all too sad for tears; 
 
 I would not weep, not I ! 
 But smile along my life's short road, 
 
 Until I smiling die. 
 The little flowers breathe fragrance out 
 
 Through all the dewy night; 
 Shall I more churlish be than they, 
 
 And 'plain for constant light? 
 Not so ! not so ! no load of woe 
 
 Need bring despairing frown; 
 For while we bear it, we can bear; 
 
 Past that, we lay it down. 
 
 Sarah Williams. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, may we feel the joy of Thy 
 comforting and strengthening Hand. May what 
 in the day has been perplexing, in the night be clear 
 and the assurance of Thy guiding and protecting 
 blessing enable us to lie down in peace to sleep, 
 since Thou, Lord, only makest us dwell in safety. 
 May the burdens that have seemed heavy grow 
 light and happy anticipations of the glory that shall 
 be revealed in us, of the day when the faces of friends 
 long lost shall reappear, when sorrow shall be turned 
 into joy. Fill the hours, waking or sleeping, with 
 rich refreshment and so this night prepare us for 
 fresh endeavor and quicken courage for new en- 
 counters with ills that shall add to our triumphs and 
 bring more praise to our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 Samuel H. Virgin.
 
 i22 M#Vil 29 
 
 Leave off thinking of your thoughts and feeling of 
 your feelings. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Regret and trust do not go together. The person 
 who weeps over a dead past is to all intents and pur- 
 poses a paralyzed person. It is impossible to live 
 on yesterday's mistakes and enjoy today's blessings. 
 The first step in the process is to stop blaming one's 
 self. The past is dead. Throw the cross of responsibility 
 away. Break it, repudiate it utterly and come to a 
 closer comprehension of the love of God. Rest and 
 trust. The kingdom of God is within and we are to be 
 transformed by the renewing of our minds, here and 
 now. 
 
 Eleanor Kirk. 
 
 Heavenly Father, the day is done. Make me 
 grateful for all it has contributed to my welfare. 
 Every day Thou art deepening and broadening my life 
 by some new way in which Thou dost lead; every day 
 there is added power, by personal experience of new 
 things revealed to me. Help me never to look back, 
 except it be to bring out of the past a fresh supply 
 of confidence for tomorrow's work and play. Help 
 me never to look into the past of other lives unless 
 it be to cover it with the mantle of love, as I would 
 be covered by Thee this night. Help me to grow as 
 the clinging vine through die dark and through the 
 light. Amen. 
 
 Alfred W. H. Hodder.
 
 ajml 30 123 
 
 Launched upon ether float the worlds secure. 
 
 Naught hath the truthful Maker to conceal. 
 
 No trestle-work of adamant or steel 
 Is that high firmament where these endure. 
 Patient, majestic, round their cynosure 
 
 In secular procession see them wheel; 
 
 Self-poised, but not self-centered, for they feel 
 In each tense fibre one all-conquering lure. 
 
 And need I fret me, Father, for that Thou 
 Dost will the weightiest verities to swing 
 On viewless orbits ? Nay, henceforth I cleave 
 
 More firmly to the Credo; and my vow 
 
 With readier footstep to Thine altar bring, 
 As one who counts it wisdom to believe. 
 
 William Reed Huntington. 
 
 Our Father in Heaven, we rejoice that the world 
 is in Thy keeping as it sweeps forward into the night. 
 Thou hast marked out the path for the earth which 
 carries Thy children. May we feel that the journey 
 into the night is ever forward, — forward to the rest 
 by which Thou givest strength, — forward to the 
 silent inner stirrings which tell of Thee, — forward 
 to the breaking of Thy new day. If the night shall 
 bring long anxiety, or troubled restlessness, or pained 
 questionings, may we feel that even these are bearing 
 us onward and forward. We thank Thee for Him 
 who willingly travelled into the night, and who found 
 in the darkness of Gethsemane the light which makes 
 the cross glorious. May we think of Him as we 
 fall asleep, and pray for His spirit as we awake. Amen. 
 
 Frank J. McConnell.
 
 i2 4 JHag l 
 
 Shall we know in the hereafter 
 
 All the reasons that are hid? 
 
 Does the butterfly remember what the caterpillar did ? 
 
 How he waited, toiled and suffered 
 
 To become a chrysahd? 
 
 When we creep so slowly upward; 
 When each day new burden brings; 
 When we strive so hard to conquer 
 Vexing sublunary things; 
 When we wait and toil and suffer, 
 We are working for our wings. 
 
 Danske Dandridge. 
 
 O Lord, our Heavenly Father, in whom we live 
 our life, keep us, we beseech Thee, in the con- 
 fidence of Thy tenderness and care. Help us to 
 enter into the uncertainties of tomorrow in the spirit 
 in which we enter into the uncertainties of the night, 
 committing ourselves to Thee, setting anxiety aside, 
 trusting in Thy protection. Give us tranquillity of 
 mind and serenity of soul. On we go, O loving 
 Father, led by Thee, holding Thy hand, into such 
 places and along such ways as Thou in Thy wisdom 
 doth appoint. Surely, goodness and mercy shall 
 follow us all our days, and we shall come into the 
 peace which passeth understanding. These blessings, 
 for ourselves and for all for whom we ought to pray, 
 we humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 George Hodges.
 
 JHag 2 125 
 
 The instant you perceive the arising of the mark- 
 of-the-beast tendency, drown it with high thoughts. 
 If you feel the tendency to be angry, mean, selfish, 
 sensual, instantly affirm, with a Godward uplifting 
 of your inmost soul, the opposite — gentleness, integrity, 
 moral purpose, nobleness. Think intensely into them, 
 and these principles will be found to have a creative 
 power; a potency which scatters the lower impulses 
 as the sunshine scatters the night-birds, and which 
 builds up the spiritual life, the true ego, the Divine 
 Sonship, the mark of the King. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Giver of all life, — Giver of my life-gift ! Not 
 breath nor days do reveal Thy intent in the gift, 
 but in my soul's power to return to Thee, day by 
 day, to find eternal life in knowing Thee and Jesus, 
 the Christ whom Thou hast sent, who came that 
 I might have the life eternal and not the death of 
 sin. Didst Thou need me ? Then a thousand-fold 
 more do I need Thee ! Then come, Father and 
 Brother ! Fulfil thy promise, " If a man love me, 
 my Father will love him and we will come and abide 
 with him." Come, divine Friends ! Then shall all 
 false guests depart and only the good abide with 
 us; so shall I be saved from my enemies and find 
 Thy life in mine. Amen. 
 
 Randall H. Aldrich.
 
 i26 J*la» 3 
 
 7/ this great world of joy and pain 
 
 Revolve in one sure track; 
 If freedom, set, will rise again, 
 
 And virtue, flown, come back; 
 Woe to the purblind crew who fill 
 
 The heart with each day's care; 
 Nor gain, from past or future, skill 
 
 To bear and to forbear ! 
 
 William Wordsworth. 
 
 O Thou eternal and universal spirit of life and 
 whom we have learned to call our Heavenly Father, 
 we invoke Thy blessing of reassurance upon us in 
 this retiring hour. Within the experiences and 
 activities of the day there have been powerful ex- 
 amples of Thy presence and power in the world, 
 and these have tended to strengthen our faith. And 
 yet there has been much which seemed to declare 
 that Thou art not, and, if Thou art, that Thou 
 art not interested in and active on our account, and 
 this has tended to weaken our faith. Help us to 
 confirm our trust in Thine infinite wisdom and good- 
 ness and reality by enlarging and intensifying our 
 observations. May we see to what extent good 
 outrivals evil and find in the right the great reward 
 of greater faith. Amen. 
 
 John Evans.
 
 ittag 4 127 
 
 Take all away from me 
 But leave me ecstasy, 
 And I am richer then 
 Than all my fellow-men. 
 Is it becoming me 
 To dwell so wealthily, 
 When at my very door 
 Are those possessing more 
 In abject poverty ? 
 
 Emily Dickinson. 
 
 A great deal of life is lost in getting ready, as is 
 commonly believed, to live. To scorn delights and 
 live laborious days; to bind one's self to an unceasing 
 and unchanging routine, as Ixion to his wheel, for 
 thv sake of amassing money that some time, in a dim 
 and abstract future, one may begin to live, is simply 
 to attempt building a superstructure without a foun- 
 dation. 
 
 Lilian Whiting. 
 
 Once again, Heavenly Father, we bow before 
 Thee with a prayer upon our lips. We have tried 
 to live this day with Thee. Thou knowest, even 
 better than we, how far we have failed or succeeded 
 in our endeavor, for Thou hast taken account both 
 of our weakness and our strength. Grant, however, 
 that our life today shall not have been entirely without 
 some influence for good. Let Thy benediction rest 
 upon us through the darkness of tonight, and bring 
 us to the awakening of another day with strength 
 for its tasks and courage to meet its responsibilities. 
 Amen. 
 
 Orin Edson Crooker.
 
 i28 jWag 5 
 
 Come, Angel Sleep, come Angel Sleep, 
 And kiss mine eyelids to repose ! 
 
 Thy gentle watch above me keep, 
 Till I forget my woes, 
 My weariness and woes ! 
 
 Spread now thy soothing wings abroad! 
 Beneath their shadow pain shall cease; 
 
 To all the weary rest accord, 
 And wrap the world in peace, 
 The slumbering world in peace ! 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 Through the hours of the day Thy mercies have 
 been our portion, Thy strength our support. Thy 
 joy has touched our lives in the beauty of the sun 
 and rain, the sweet fragrance of flowers, and voices 
 of children, in the sacredness of our homes, the ties 
 of friendship, the labor and toil which win our daily 
 bread. Now when we are to enter into the rest of 
 the night, continue Thou Thy watch over us, renew 
 within us the forces of life through peaceful sleep, 
 but if hours of wakefulness come to us, temper them 
 with the thought of Thy presence and Thy care, 
 and bring us to the dawn ready and glad to serve 
 and love and live. Amen. 
 
 Mary Grace Canfield.
 
 JHaj? 6 129 
 
 One hour, we are alone before God, and the souVs 
 grasp stretches out toward the Infinite. All that befalls 
 or may befall it, then seems great, momentous. We 
 sleep, — we rise, — we are our petty selves again — 
 presences and voices come about that call us back into 
 our superficial round, — and, underneath, for weal 
 or woe, the silenced tide of our real being surges onward 
 — whither ? So the great earth whereon we dwell 
 wears its crust of hills and plains and cities above its 
 everlasting fires. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Father, to Thee I come, a child weary with the 
 day, its toys, and cares. Hold me near and close, 
 until I rest and forget all, but the comfort of Thy 
 love, the forgiveness of Thy compassion. O Thou, 
 who telleth the number of the stars and calleth them 
 all by their names, give me to know when Thou 
 calleth my name, and strengthen me to answer and 
 obey. Help me, Father, to give myself trustingly to 
 sleep. When Thou calleth me from the unconscious 
 hours, may I awake with the sweet assurance Thou, 
 God, seest me, and in that uplift of spirit live out 
 Thy life in me, even as the blessed Master, Christ 
 Amen. 
 William H. Rider.
 
 i3o Jflag 7 
 
 There's many a rest on the road of life, 
 
 If we only would stop to take it, 
 
 And many a tone from the better land, 
 
 If the querulous heart would wake it: 
 
 To the sunny soul that is full of hope, 
 
 And whose beautiful trust ne'er faileth, 
 
 The grass is green, and the flowers are bright, 
 
 Though the wintry storm prevaileth. 
 
 Better to weave in the web of life, 
 
 A bright and golden filling, 
 
 And to do God's will with a ready heart, 
 
 And hands that are swift and willing, 
 
 Than to snap the delicate silver thread 
 
 Of our curious life asunder, 
 
 And then heaven blame for the tangled ends, 
 
 And sit and grieve and wonder. 
 
 Faber. 
 
 Dear Lord and Father of us all, we would close 
 the day with gratitude for all the great and innumer- 
 able blessings which its passing moments have 
 brought to us. We thank Thee for the fresh oppor- 
 tunity which this day has brought for labor and 
 service. We rejoice that we have been able to take 
 even a small part in the work of the world. The 
 toil of midday has prepared us to enjoy the rest of 
 the evening. We thank Thee for the sheltering love 
 of the home with all its sweet and beautiful sanctities; 
 for the tender ministries of precious friends; for 
 inspiring books, enriching Nature, and cheering 
 memories. Grant, dear Father, that we may close 
 the day with tender and thankful hearts. Amen. 
 Joseph H. Crooker.
 
 JHag 8 131 
 
 How beautiful is Night ! 
 
 A dewy freshness fills the air; 
 
 No mist obscures, nor cloud, nor speck, nor stain 
 
 Breaks the serene of heaven: 
 
 In full orbed glory, yonder moon divine 
 
 Rolls through the dark-blue depths. 
 
 Beneath her steady ray 
 
 The desert-circle spreads, 
 
 Like the round ocean, girdled with the sky, 
 
 How beautiful is night. 
 
 R. Southey. 
 
 Our gracious God, father of all Mercies, before 
 whom noontime and midnight are as one, we 
 thank Thee for the welcome night to which our 
 weary footsteps have been directed. Guide us ever, 
 we beseech Thee, amid the affairs of life that we may 
 not lose the path nor stumble on the lonely way, 
 but that we like Thy servant of old may finish our 
 course with joy and in acceptance be gathered to 
 Thee above. Amen. 
 
 William Wallace Iliffe.
 
 i32 J**a» y 
 
 In wonder workings, or some bush aflame, 
 Men look for God, and fancy Him concealed; 
 But in earth's common things He stands revealed, 
 While grass and flowers and stars spell out his name. 
 
 The paradise men seek, the city bright 
 That gleams beyond the stars for longing eyes, 
 Is only human goodness in the skies. 
 Earth's deeds, well done, glow into heavenly light. 
 
 Minot J. Savage. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, as the shadows lengthen 
 and the night comes on, we draw near unto Thee in 
 whom is no darkness at all. Thou usherest in the 
 morning and spreadest the curtains of evening. 
 Thou art revealed in the splendors of the noontide 
 and made manifest in the glories of the night. We 
 bow before the wonders of Thy majesty. We wor- 
 ship Thee revealed in all Thy creative power. We 
 rear a palace and we pray each stone may be a golden 
 deed to shine as do the stars. This night, Our Father, 
 restore our strength, refresh our spiritual powers, 
 and give us grace to build tomorrow more truly 
 than before. And when the palace is completed, 
 when our earthly day is done, may there be no evening 
 shadows, no darkness, but the morning and the 
 land where Christ Himself is sun. Amen. 
 
 Leon H. Austin.
 
 Jflaj? 10 133 
 
 Is it not sad to grow old? Say rather that it is a 
 very difficult art, and one which few men have ever 
 acquired. . . . To grow old is sad indeed if what 
 you want is to hold back the receding years, to keep 
 your hair from growing white, your eyes from becoming 
 dim, and the wrinkles from chiseling their way across 
 your brow. One of the most beautiful things in the 
 world is an old person who, made better by experience, 
 more indulgent, more charitable, loves mankind in 
 spite of its wretchedness and adores youth without the 
 slightest tendency to mimic it. Such a person is like 
 an old Stradivarius whose tone has become so sweet 
 that its value is increased a hundred-fold, and it seems 
 almost to have a soul. 
 
 Charles Wagner. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the day and 
 its experiences. It has been blessed because re- 
 ceived as a token from Thee. The morning hath 
 its glorious promise, the noon-day its encircling 
 loveliness, the evening its blissful repose. May we 
 so accept our life from Thee that the glory of its 
 morning promise may be illumined by the noon-day 
 and glorified at the gathering twilight with its thankful 
 retrospect and its gilded prospect. To Thy parental 
 arms we entrust ourselves. If we wake to another 
 earthly morn, may the day be spent to Thy glory 
 and service. If we wake to a morn in the great 
 Eternity we are still with Thee, and with Thee there 
 is life and joy and peace. Amen. 
 
 F. A. Dillingham.
 
 i34 JHa» 11 
 
 We are the mariners, and God the, sea, 
 
 And though we make false reckonings, and run 
 Wide of a righteous course, and are undone, 
 
 Out of his deeps of love we cannot be. 
 For by those heavy strokes we misname ill, 
 
 Through the fierce fire of sin, through tempering 
 doubt, 
 Our natures more and more are beaten out, 
 
 To perfecter reflections of his will ! 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 As sailors upon the boundless deep, we are helpless, 
 O God, without Thee. Temper to us the storms and 
 the winds that we be not carried far out of our course. 
 And while tossed by the tempests of doubt and per- 
 plexity, may we never forget Thee, our Pilot of strong 
 hand and sure knowledge. This night as we lie 
 down to sleep, may rest come to us and to all who 
 are driven hard. May the remembrance of other 
 lives that have learned of Thy strength and Thy 
 love, not in the fair days of favoring winds, but only 
 in the seasons of cloud and gale, bring to us assurance. 
 With fearless trust help each one of us to look forward 
 to the great haven to which Thou art guiding, be- 
 lieving that " no harm from Thee can come to me, 
 on ocean or on shore." Amen. 
 
 Virgil V. Johnson.
 
 J«a» 12 135 
 
 The way is dark, my Father! cloud on cloud 
 Is gathering quickly o'er my head; and loud 
 The thunders roar above me. See, I stand 
 Like. one bewildered. Father, take my hand, 
 And through the gloom lead safely home Thy child. 
 
 The way is dark, my child, but leads to light; 
 I would not have thee always walk by sight. 
 My dealings now thou canst not understand; 
 I meant it so; but I will take thy hand 
 And through the gloom lead safely home My child. 
 
 Henry N. Cobb. 
 
 Heavenly Father, how the lights and shadows 
 alternate in our lives ! One day we stanl upon the 
 Mount of Transfiguration, another we walk sorrow- 
 fully in some valley of despair. One day we stand 
 erect and triumphant in the midst of life's great battle- 
 field, another we lie defeated and bleeding on some 
 field of humiliation when we have scarcely fought 
 at all. One day there is an open way between our- 
 selves and Thee, while the angels come and go, 
 another we have lost our Divine communications, 
 the night comes on and it is dark because we have 
 tried to go alone. O Father, now, with pride all 
 gone, we know we cannot see the way alone. Take 
 our hands and lead us home. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 136 JHag 13 
 
 When the tide has been coming in y I have often seen 
 how it chafed and fretted, running into some narrow- 
 mouthed bay, filling it, swirling round, and lapping 
 up on the shores, till by and by, still flowing, and 
 flowing, and flowing, it filled the bay full. The tide 
 had spent itself, and the whole bay at last was at rest. 
 And so the soul, while yet it is being filled, is disturbed 
 by ripples and eddies; but by and by when it shall 
 have been filled with the power and presence of God 
 it will be satisfied, and will be perfectly at peace, and 
 will be full of God. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Our God and Father, grant us, as the day closes, 
 the sense of Thine inflowing presence. We have 
 been fretted with many cares, and the tide of Thy 
 divine love has sometimes seemed to us to ebb rather 
 than rise in our hearts. Help us to realize that, not- 
 withstanding all obstructions, Thou art seeking to fill 
 us with Thyself, and that if we will but hold ourselves 
 open to Thy love, Thou wilt sweep over all that 
 stands in the way, and give us constantly Thine 
 own perfect peace. May the very God of peace 
 sanctify us wholly, and our whole spirit and soul and 
 body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 A. J. Rowland.
 
 jWag 14 137 
 
 Never mini a change of scene — 
 
 Try a change of .thinking. 
 What if things seem sordid, mean, 
 
 What's the use of blinking? 
 Life's not always storm and cloud. 
 
 Somewhere stars are shining. 
 Try to think your joys out loud, 
 
 Silence all repining. 
 
 By degrees, by thinking light, 
 
 Thinking glad and sweetly, 
 You'll escape the stress of night, 
 
 Worry gone completely. 
 Get the habit looking for 
 
 Sunbeams pirouetting, 
 Tapping gayly at your door — 
 
 Surest cure for fretting. 
 
 John Kendrick Bangs. 
 
 Our Father, forgive us that the sense of Thy loving 
 care is not always with us. Forgive the doubt and 
 the distrust. Forgive the discontent and the peevish- 
 ness. Give us a calm heart, not too wildly moved by 
 passing pleasures, not too much downcast by dis- 
 appointment and weariness. Give us the firm assur- 
 ance that Thou hast a plan in our lives, a work for 
 us to do, a place for us to fill, and as we think of Thy 
 providence and our glad duty, may the little worries 
 become small to our opened eyes. Help us bravely 
 to bear our part in the coming of Thy kingdom of 
 righteousness and peace and joy, and find the deepest 
 satisfactions of life in the knowledge of something 
 done for Thee through Thy children. Amen. 
 
 Herbert Welch.
 
 138 J**aff 15 
 
 Our birthright is in the boundless resources of His 
 self-existent life. Oh, to be able to believe it, and to 
 live it! To have faith in God; to .know that there is 
 One ever enwrapping us — wholly, absolutely, divinely 
 responsible, and who knows all. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 God is continually giving. He will not withhold 
 from you or me. I hold up my little cup. He fills it 
 full. If yours is greater, rejoice in that, and bring it 
 faithfully to the same urn. He, who fills the violet 
 with beauty and the sun with light, will not fail to 
 inspire you and me. Were your little cup to become 
 as large as the Pacific Sea, He still would fill it. 
 
 Theodore Parker. 
 
 O Thou, who art the giver of all good gifts. Thou 
 hast not withheld from Thy children the Supreme 
 Gift of Thyself. When the morning called it was 
 with the vision of Thy promise and the evening holds 
 the sweet memory of Thy bountiful accomplishment. 
 We are glad to know that the multitude of our pos- 
 sessions and our activities is not able to separate us 
 from Thee, but may, if we will, bring Thee closer 
 to us. And our prayer is, dear Father, that in the 
 morrow that lies beyond the curtain of this night, 
 Thou mayest help us to accept Thy gifts gratefully, 
 to live our lives fully, to search for Thee with all our 
 hearts, and to serve humanity with all the force that 
 comes to us, filled with peace and strength because 
 we know we serve with Thee. Amen. 
 
 Pliny A. Allen.
 
 JHag 10 139 
 
 Do not look for wrong and evil — - 
 
 You will find them if you do; 
 As you measure for your neighbor 
 
 He will measure back to you. 
 
 Look for goodness, look for gladness, 
 You will meet them all the while; 
 
 If you bring a smiling visage 
 To the glass, you meet a smile. 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 Good comes to pass 
 We know not when nor how, for, looking to 
 What seemed a barren waste, there starts to view 
 
 Some bunch of grass, 
 Or snarl of violets, shining with the dew. 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 Our Father, as the day ends we rejoice that Thy 
 goodness has been about us so abundantly. Beyond 
 our deserving we have received the joys of life and 
 labor of love. We humbly confess that our doing 
 has been outrun by our dream and our desire, but 
 we pray that new days may bring us a little nearer 
 to the goal of our hopes. Help us to forget the day's 
 fret and pain and to remember only their lessons of 
 patience and courage and hope. We thank Thee for 
 the gift of ease after toil, and may we go to rest like 
 children who take life's gifts joyously but find the 
 shelter of parental arms the dearest joy of all. Hear 
 us in Thy great love. Amen. 
 
 Effie McCollum Jones.
 
 14© JHa» 17 
 
 // is not in prayer only that the soul approaches 
 Go J, for it ts draivn nigher Him by all the higher 
 objects it turns to. If a poet will sing his noblest 
 strain, it is into the ear of God he does it, if an architect 
 will build in his sublimest manner, it is a house for 
 God he makes. And every earnest movement of the 
 mind is upwards, and to God, making us sure of the 
 Divine Presence. 
 
 MOUNTFORD. 
 
 As some rare perfume in a vase of clay 
 
 Pervades it with a fragrance not its own, 
 So, when Thou dwellest in a mortal soul, 
 All heaven's own sweetness seems around it thrown. 
 
 Abide in me! There have been moments blest, 
 When I have heard Thy voice and felt Thy power; 
 
 Then evil lost its grasp; and passion, hushed, 
 Owned the divine enchantment of the hour. 
 
 These were but seasons, beautiful and rare: 
 Abide in me, and they shall ever be! 
 
 Fulfill at once Thy precept and my prayer: 
 Come, and abide in me, and I in Thee 1 
 
 Harriet Beecher Stowe.
 
 J**3£ 18 141 
 
 " / simply don't know what to do with myself when 
 the wind is from the east" complained a nervous 
 invalid. " Well, you cant stop the wind," replied 
 the practical physician, " but you surely can get into 
 a cozy south room as far away from it as possible, and 
 find some pleasant employment." The simple bit of 
 advice is as good for the soul as for the body. There 
 are east winds of gloom and unrest that will not down 
 at command, but we can learn to retreat into some 
 south corner of sunny memories or cheerful occupation 
 until they pass. 
 
 J. R. Miller. 
 
 Father of my spirit, in the darkness that surrounds 
 me I would know that in Thee no darkness is. No 
 chilling blasts, only warmth and sunshine to the soul 
 that opens to Thee. Make me conscious of this fact, 
 O God, that I may flee to the upper room of my being, 
 open the window toward Thee where the hushed 
 stillness and sweet peace are never disturbed by the 
 winds of adversity, and where Thy voice is saying 
 " Come unto me; I am thy health, thy light, thy 
 peace, thy life and thy salvation." Amen. 
 
 Abbie E. Danforth.
 
 i42 J**ag 19 
 
 Lord of my waiting soul, Thou Saviour dear, 
 
 Why should I longer doubt, what shall I fear? 
 
 Come dwell with me, forever be my guest, 
 
 That I may share Thy toil and know Thy rest. 
 
 Thou showest me a foregleam of the day, 
 
 To cheer my drooping heart and light my way. 
 
 Even though the path I cannot plainly see, 
 
 Through the drear wilderness I follow Thee. 
 
 Thou every erring step wilt guide aright 
 
 Till night is gone and I behold the light. 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 O Lord, guard and keep us, we pray Thee, through- 
 out the coming night. Grant to us refreshment of 
 body and of mind, that we may awaken with in- 
 creased powers to serve Thee and our fellow-men. 
 Teach us that as Thou art with us through the night 
 as well as the day, so Thou wilt also guide us through 
 the darkness of perplexity, of sorrow and of doubt. 
 So may we find in Thee our light and strength and 
 courage; may we know Thy peace which passeth 
 understanding, and may our lives bring hope and 
 gladness to all with whom we have to do. 
 
 In the name of Christ we ask it. Amen. 
 
 Mary Danforth Dodge.
 
 JHa£ 20 143 
 
 To live, to live, is life's great joy, — to feel 
 The living God within, — to look abroad 
 
 And, in the beauty that all things reveal, 
 Still meet the living God. 
 
 Robert Leighton. 
 
 Give me, God, to sing this thought, 
 
 Belief in plan of Thee enclosed in Time and Space, 
 
 Health, Peace, Salvation Universal, 
 
 Is it a dream ? 
 
 Nay, but the lack of it the dream, 
 
 And falling it life's love and wealth a dream, 
 
 And all the world a dream. 
 
 Walt Whitman. 
 
 O God, who art forever life, — life for us today, 
 but also life for every day of memory or of hope, 
 we bless Thy name for these hours now sinking into 
 shadow, and for their privilege of life with Thee. 
 May rest and sleep be also life. If we have failed 
 today, may it be for gain tomorrow; if we have 
 borne the Cross, may we remember the Crown; if 
 faces come to us in dreams, may they smile on us 
 in love and peace, and bring the unutterable joy of 
 the welcome which Thou hast given them and which 
 Thou wilt not deny to us. Amen. 
 
 Edwin C. Bolles.
 
 i44 J**a» 21 
 
 At first I prayed for Light : — 
 Could I but see the way, 
 How gladly, swiftly would I walk 
 To everlasting day ! 
 
 And then I prayed for Faith: 
 Could I but trust my God, 
 I'd live enfolded in His peace, 
 Though foes were all abroad. 
 
 But now I pray for Love — 
 Deep love to God and man: 
 A living love that will not fail, 
 However dark His plan: 
 
 And Light and Strength and Faith 
 Are opening everywhere ! 
 God only waited for me till 
 I prayed the larger prayer. 
 
 Ednah Dow Cheney. 
 
 Holy Father, as evening closes the shutters and 
 draws the curtains, I seem nearer now to Thee. The 
 shadows fold me closer than the light. Thou hidest 
 me, I hide myself, in Thee. Thou lovest me. My 
 heart was made for Thee. There surely is for me 
 no hope or home apart from Thee. My life in 
 Thee, Thy life in me, is hope below and Heaven 
 above. My psalm and my prayer are brief tonight. 
 Thy will be done. I trust in Thee, assured of some 
 better thing tomorrow. Do for me and with me, O 
 Father, as seemeth good to Thee. Amen. 
 
 De Loss M. Tompkins.
 
 JWag 22 145 
 
 There is no chance, no destiny, no fate 
 Can circumvent, or hinder, or control 
 The firm resolve of a determined soul. 
 
 Gifts count for nothing; will alone is great; 
 
 All things give way before it soon or late, 
 What obstacle can stay the mighty force 
 Of the sea-seeking river in its mighty course, 
 
 Or cause the ascending orb of day to wait? 
 
 Each well-born soul must win what it deserves. 
 
 Let the fool prate of luck. The fortunate 
 
 Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves, 
 Whose slightest action or inaction serves 
 The one great aim. 
 
 Why, even Death stands still, 
 
 And waits an hour sometimes for such a will. 
 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 Bountiful Father of love and blessing, we thank 
 Thee for life and light, joy and hope, friends and 
 faith. We thank Thee for liberty, the privilege of 
 choice, and the power of a human will. We thank 
 Thee for flowers and fragrance and fruits and the 
 limitless charms of earth and sea and sky. We thank 
 Thee, Lord, that we are not doomed to live in the 
 heart of a dull, drab earth, where all the sounds are 
 discords and all the voices complainings and discon- 
 tent and despair; and we pray Thee save us from 
 the blasphemy of fault-finding in God's good world. 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for beauty and harmony; for 
 food and raiment; and for music and art and litera- 
 ture and little children; and we beseech Thee, keep 
 us grateful and, therefore, humble. Accept, we pray, 
 the service we have tried to render Thee today, 
 and give us rest in Thy care tonight. Amen. 
 
 Ira Landrith.
 
 146 Jtt'ag 23 
 
 It rests with us whether we see good or ill; but in 
 order that we may see as much as possible, let us be 
 as much with, and of, what is fine, clean, patient, as 
 we can. 
 
 Charles M. Skinner. 
 
 Surely this must be a divine world wherein they 
 succeed best, and alone have permanent success, who 
 with most utter loyalty follow ideal and divine ends; 
 who speak truth without fear, perform duty by an 
 inward compulsion, and make their business the service 
 of humanity. Who, then, shall we say is the practical 
 man of affairs, whom the new century demands as its 
 chosen leader and helper ? It is the upright, outspoken, 
 noble, and generous gentleman, the friend and lover 
 of men, co-worker with God. 
 
 Charles F. Dole. 
 
 Infinite and ever-loving Father, we come back at 
 the close of the day to tell Thee the story of our words 
 and deeds. We know that there is nothing too small 
 or commonplace to mention for Thy hearing. We 
 ask concerning our success and failure and Thou 
 dost answer us, reminding us that in so far as we 
 have kept with Thee, with the good and true, we have 
 succeeded. We thank Thee that Thou judgest our 
 intentions rather than our achievements. Grant us 
 now forgiveness for those words and deeds which 
 were untrue to our ideal. Grant us strength, after 
 refreshing sleep to pursue our onward way, and may 
 we work with Thee on the morrow and through 
 all the days that are to come. In the name of Him 
 who hath loved us most and best, Jesus Christ, Thy 
 Son, we ask it. Amen. 
 
 A. Eugene Bartlett.
 
 Jtfag 24 147 
 
 / stood beneath the blazing dome of night; 
 My spirit shrank within me at the sight; 
 I was as nothing, yea, the earth was lost 
 In the still presence of that mighty host. 
 Yet heard I from the heavens a whisper fall; 
 " Rejoice, man, thy Father made them all; 
 A child of God, thyself, a god shalt be, 
 Heir of the riches of infinity." 
 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 Abide with us, our Heavenly Father, for it is 
 toward evening, and the day is far spent. The stars 
 twinkle in the darkness of the night, bringing to us 
 their shining testimony of Thy love. We do not 
 fear to be alone with Thee in the darkness, for the 
 darkness and the light are both alike to Thee; we 
 do not tremble at the thought of our insignificance 
 in presence of the immensity of the Universe, for 
 Thou hast told us of our worth to Thee and hast 
 promised Thy watch-care over us. Give to us the 
 security of our faith, we pray, and the sense of our 
 personal value to Thee, O Thou Giver of every 
 good and of every perfect gift. Grant peace to every 
 fear-filled spirit, hope to the despairing, rest to the 
 weary, according to the sympathy and love of Thy 
 Fatherly goodness. Amen. 
 
 Nehemiah Boynton.
 
 148 ffl%£ 25 
 
 Be like the bird, that halting in her flight 
 
 Awhile on boughs too slight, 
 Feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, 
 
 Knowing that she hath wings. 
 
 Victor Hugo. 
 
 Tour relations to God are not to be shaken by the 
 fact that you do not understand His providence. On 
 the contrary, when the path is rugged and the night is 
 dark — and very dark indeed it is sometimes — cling 
 all the closer to your faith, for it is the only thing under 
 the stars that can give you help. 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 Father of the night as of the day, as the birdling 
 nestles under the wing of the mother bird for security 
 from all harm, so would we seek the wing of Almighty 
 protection during the night shadows, for we know 
 that in Thee is no darkness at all. We thank Thee 
 for the recuperative power of sleep, and we pray 
 that its repose may not be fretted by any seeming 
 mysteries of Thy providence, however unsolvable 
 or painful they may be to us, because we know that 
 Thou art good, infinitely good, unchangeably good 
 And so may our faith never falter in its trust in Thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 Charles P. Nash.
 
 Dark, tender-stepping Night 
 Oh, let me pin thy flight, 
 Whilst, yielded to thy will, 
 The whole wide earth is still! 
 
 E'en as a baby lies 
 With wonder-smitten eyes 
 That gaze far, far away 
 Where golden cloudlets stray — 
 
 So bear me on thy quest 
 Through the dim pensive west, 
 Until the west be east 
 And day renew her feast ! 
 
 Lead me where nothing mars 
 The splendor of the stars. 
 Oh, let me roam with thee, 
 Who art so calm, so free ! 
 
 William Struthers. 
 
 We come to Thee, Our Father, at the close of this 
 'lay, to again thank Thee for what the day has brought 
 us. Thou art the cloud by day and the pillar of fire 
 at night — so that we can always see Thee. As the 
 child comes to the mother to find rest in her arms, 
 we come to Thee with faith to find rest in Thine 
 everlasting arms, and hearing the word Father we 
 sleep in peace and safety. To be with Thee is the 
 thought that fills our hearts. Just with Thee, and the 
 clouds disperse, and the shadow is no more — and 
 the darkness is indeed Light ! For in Thy life do 
 we see light. Amen. 
 
 Caleb E. Fishek.
 
 so Jtfas 27 
 
 Faint Heart, fear not ! The path you dread 
 And shuddering think for you new-born, 
 
 Is worn by many feet, whose tread 
 
 Its every flower knows, its every thorn. 
 
 Faint Heart, be strong ! The eyes that smile, 
 The lips that call to you each day 
 
 Some common greeting, may the while 
 Be walking cheerfully your hardest way. 
 
 Gertrude Brooke Hamilton. 
 
 O Lord, the hard-won miles 
 Have worn my stumbling feet: 
 
 Oh, soothe me with thy smiles, 
 And make my life complete. 
 
 The thorns were thick and keen, 
 Where'er I trembling trod; 
 
 The way was long between 
 My wounded feet and God. 
 
 Where healing waters flow 
 Do Thou my footsteps lead. 
 
 My heart is aching so; 
 
 Thy gracious balm I need. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar.
 
 Jttafi 28 151 
 
 Some murmur when their sky is clear, 
 
 And wholly bright to view, 
 If one small speck of dark appear 
 
 In their great heaven of blue. 
 And some with thankful love are filled, 
 
 If but one streak of light, 
 One ray of God's good mercy, gild 
 
 The darkness of then night. 
 
 In palaces are hearts that ask, 
 
 In discontent and pride, 
 Why life is such a dreary task, 
 
 And all good things denied: 
 And hearts in poorest huts admire 
 
 How love has in their aid 
 (Love that not ever seems to tire) 
 
 Such rich provision made. 
 
 Richard Chenevix Trench. 
 
 O Thou who knows our hearts, read Thou aright ! 
 Forgive the thoughts that are not highest, best ! 
 Forgive, O God, and help us to be strong ! 
 Pity our weakness, guide our footsteps, lest 
 The future bring only remorse, unrest; 
 The paths we tread are tortuous and long — 
 O the great shadow of the soul's sad night ! 
 'Tis vain to question why our deed is wrong, 
 'Tis hard to find the way that leads to light; 
 But, Thou, our God, our Father, Guide, and Friend, 
 When all our human power seems at an end, 
 Reach forth Thy hand and save us by Thy might! 
 
 Amen. 
 
 Louise Winslow Kidder.
 
 i52 M%& 29 
 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
 He maketh me to he down in green pastures: He 
 leadeth me beside the still waters. 
 
 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths 
 of righteousness for His name's sake. 
 
 Tea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
 of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; 
 Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. 
 
 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence 
 of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; 
 my cup runneth over. 
 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 
 days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the 
 Lord forever. 
 
 Psalm XXIII. 
 
 O Lord, Thou Shepherd of our lives, how good it 
 is to throw ourselves upon Thy care. We have tried 
 to live alone and find our own pasture, only to be 
 bruised by the stones and torn by the thorns. If we 
 have wandered in some wilderness today with tired 
 feet and hungry heart, we come back to the fold 
 tonight. Let us rest in the consciousness of Thy care. 
 Tired of all wandering, let us go with Thee when the 
 day breaks to walk in green pastures beside the still 
 waters. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Thy 
 name's sake. And though our way be through the 
 valley of the shadow of death, we will not fear, for 
 Thou art with us. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 jfflag 30 153 
 
 It singetb low in every heart, 
 
 We hear it, each and all, — 
 A song of those who answer not, 
 
 However we may call; 
 They throng the silence of the breast, 
 
 We see them as of yore, — 
 The kind, the brave, the true, the sweet, 
 
 Who walk with us no more ! 
 
 'Tis hard to take the burden up, 
 
 When these have laid it down; 
 They brightened all the joy of life, 
 
 They softened every frown; 
 But oh, 'tis good to think of them, 
 
 When we are troubled sore ! 
 Thanks be to God that such have been, 
 
 Though they are here no more ! 
 
 More homelike seems the vast unknown, 
 
 Since they have entered there; 
 To follow them were not so hard, 
 
 Wherever they may fare; 
 They cannot be where God is not, 
 
 On any sea or shore; 
 Whatever betides, Thy love abides, 
 
 Our God, for evermore ! 
 
 J. W. Chadwick. 
 
 Father, in this great trust let us work, let us wait, 
 let us be patient, let us be cheerful, and with the words 
 ringing in our ears, " And death shall be no more," 
 let us press on to that fulness of life that waits Thy 
 children forever. Amen. 
 
 Minot J. Savage.
 
 i54 JH*£ 31 
 
 There is no calm like that when storm is done; 
 There ts no pleasure keen as pains release: 
 There is no joy that lies so deep as peace, 
 
 No peace so deep as that by struggle won. 
 
 Helen Gray Cone. 
 
 / do not know when or how it may please God to 
 give you the quiet of mind that you need; but I tell 
 you I believe it is to be had, and, in the meantime, you 
 must go on doing your work, trusting in God even 
 for this. Tell Him to look at your sorrow, ask Him 
 to come and set it right, making the joy go up in your 
 heart by His presence. 
 
 George Macdonald. 
 
 Heavenly Father, make us to feel Thy presence 
 tonight as the touch of a loving hand, and to hear 
 Thy voice as the voice of our dearest friend; and 
 may we realize that Thou art as near as the light we 
 see and the air we breathe. Help us, our Father, 
 that we may pray aright for the things that are most 
 needful to us, for a humble spirit, a patient heart, 
 yet strong and resolute to do the daily duty. We 
 ask Thy blessing upon us, let it descend upon us as 
 the rain falls upon the fields, and let us sleep peace- 
 fully in the thought that as the new day opens upon 
 us we may wake full of faith, hope and love, strong 
 for another day of duty. Amen. 
 Joshua Young.
 
 3nnt l 155 
 
 / hunted Heaven everywhere, 
 
 I blindly sought for solace sweet, 
 
 While shyly peeping unaware, 
 Meek daisies nestled at my feet. 
 
 I cried aloud for hint of God, 
 Telling my beaded baubles o'er, 
 
 While from the quick womb of the sod, 
 Glad roses climbed to deck my door. 
 
 Robert Loveman. 
 
 Happiness rarely is absent. It is we that know not 
 of its presence. The greatest felicity avails us nothing 
 if we know not that we are happy. 
 
 Maurice Maeterlinck. 
 
 O Heart of love that keeps the world from sinking 
 in despair, to Thee we come tonight. Thou dost 
 flood the world with light, shining upon the evil and 
 the good. We celebrate Thy compassion: we adore 
 Thine eternal goodness. O gracious and impartial 
 love, let us know some measure of it in our own life, 
 that we shall not too closely scrutinize our blessings, 
 whither they tend, and though the land in which 
 we travel be like a garden, and the portion that is 
 ours be goodly and rich, let us from the midst of 
 Thy mercies wait for Thee as those that wait and 
 watch for the morning, and seek Thee as those that 
 are hungry after God. Amen. 
 
 Thomas R. Slicer.
 
 156 3UM 2 
 
 Like a blind spinner in the sun, 
 
 I tread my days; 
 I know that all the threads will run 
 
 Appointed ways; 
 I know each day will bring its task, 
 And being blind, no more, I ask. 
 
 But listen, listen, day by day, 
 
 To hear their tread 
 Who bear the finished web away, 
 
 And cut the thread, 
 And bring God's message in the sun, 
 Thou poor blind spinner, work is done." 
 
 Helen Hunt Jackson. 
 
 We thank Thee, Father, that we are all spinners 
 and weavers, too, of the web of life, and may the 
 daily prayer of our daily work always be " Thy will, 
 not ours, be done." Forbid that it should ever be 
 anything else, forbid that we should in any way seek 
 to change Thy appointed ways of life's threads. 
 Deliver us from all blindness. Clarify and intensify, 
 and broaden and deepen our vision and may we see 
 and feel and know that like the great Master's, our 
 mission is not to destroy or in any way mar the divine 
 web, but to fulfill it according to Thy immutable 
 purpose. And having done all, to stand listening 
 and hearing Thy Fatherly commendation — "Well 
 done, good and faithful spinners, enter into the joy 
 and rest and peace of good work faithfully accom- 
 plished." Amen. 
 
 I. P. CODDINGTON.
 
 Sttue 3 157 
 
 Come to me, come to me, my God ! 
 
 Come to me everywhere ! 
 Let the trees mean Thee, and the grassy sod, 
 
 And the water and the air ! 
 
 George Macdonald. 
 
 There is a darkness that comes of effulgence; and 
 the most veiling of all veils is the light. That for 
 which the eye exists is light, but through light no 
 human eye can pierce. I find myself beyond my depth. 
 I am ever beyond my depth, afloat in an infinite sea; 
 but the depth of the sea knows me, for the ocean of my 
 being is God. 
 
 George Macdonald. 
 
 O Thou who coverest Thyself with light as with 
 a garment, and in whom is no darkness at all, illumine 
 us by Thy spirit, that we may walk always in the 
 light. Thou dwellest in a light which no man can 
 approach unto, but art not far away from any of us. 
 In the glory of the day we have found Thee; we 
 would find Thee also in the shadows of the night. 
 Let the darkness never hide Thee from us. May 
 every night shine as the day. The darkness and the 
 light are both alike to Thee. May they be to us 
 co-equal witnesses of Thine unfailing love, every 
 day uttering speech and every night showing knowl- 
 edge, until our souls are at last prepared for the 
 unfading splendor of the Eternal Morning. Amen. 
 
 Charles E. Jefferson.
 
 158 3UM 4 
 
 Lord, Thou art my West, my peaceful, restful 
 West ! The same glad light that made my morning 
 sky all radiant with hope and beauty, now turns to 
 ■rose and gold, the sombre clouds of evening. The day 
 is done and it was good, in spite of toil and tears, of 
 struggles and failure, and of hope deferred; the toil 
 is turned to rest, the tears to smiles of trust; the struggles 
 have brought me strength, failures have shown me 
 wisdom, and hope, deferred, unveils to me her heart 
 of peace. I lay me down to sleep without a single 
 fear, for morning follows night and a new and better 
 day is on the way to me ! My West ! Holy West, 
 my bark glides softly towards Thy golden bars. The 
 softening light enfolds me like a bath of balm; the 
 twilight gently touches every sense. I rest, I sleep; 
 I rest, I sleep. 
 
 Minnie S. Davis. 
 
 Thou, whose love encircles the heavens, accept 
 our prayer as an evening sacrifice. We come, 
 changed in character by the trials and successes in 
 another day. Through its burden and heat we have 
 worked in Thy vineyard. Its material gains we hold 
 as Thy stewards. Receive our account with charity. 
 Let the shadows fall in quiet benediction upon well- 
 used opportunities. May the sun go down upon our 
 shortcomings to rise upon stronger efforts. Give us 
 joy in a world so beautiful, in work so inviting, of 
 rest so refreshing. Amen. 
 
 Edward B. Saunders.
 
 3unt 5 159 
 
 Ah me, but the day is so long ! 
 
 And the toil is so hard, and the brain 
 So weary of weighing the right and the wrong, 
 
 So tired of the stress and the strain I 
 What dream of delight can endure 
 
 The noise and the dust of the street ? — 
 Yet if Love only wait at the end of the day 
 
 The toil and the trouble are sweet ! 
 
 The heart would be roaming afar, 
 
 These sunshiny days, to the green 
 Delights of the grove where the singing birds are, 
 
 And the flash of the river is seen; 
 But here are a desk and a chair, 
 
 And a task for a poet unmeet — 
 Yet if hove only wait at the end of the day 
 
 The toil and the trouble are sweet. 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 O Thou, who glvest power to the faint and joy 
 to the faithful, lo, the day with its heat and burden 
 has fallen upon us and we have grown weary under 
 its strain of toil and its press of care. We live amid 
 the dust of trivial duties and monotonous tasks 
 absorb our powers. Our hearts often long for pas- 
 tures green and we would sit down by the cool waters 
 of delight. Forgive us our longing for an easier lot 
 and nobler tasks. Consecrate unto us the drudgery 
 of our daily life so that every path may shine and 
 every labor seem divine. Only grant us Thy love 
 to cheer and sustain us and, at the end of the day's 
 toil and stress, may we find the joy of faithful ser- 
 vice. Amen. 
 
 Rodney F. Johonnot.
 
 i6o Sunt 6 
 
 Through love to light ! Oh, wonderful the way 
 That leads from darkness to the perfect day ! 
 From darkness and from sorrow of the night 
 To morning that comes singing o'er the sea. 
 Through love to light ! Through light, God, to 
 
 Thee, 
 Who art the love of love, the eternal light of light ! 
 Richard Watson Gilder. 
 
 / have learned that we are not to find solace in our 
 own strength; we must seek it in God's omnipotence. 
 Fortitude is good; hut fortitude itself must he shaken 
 under us to teach us how weak we are. 
 
 Charlotte Bronte. 
 
 O Christ ! in whom was life and whose life was 
 the Light of men ! when we sit in darkness be Thou 
 a light unto us, and in Thy life may we see light. 
 When we lie down, may our sleep be sweet unto us, 
 through the ministry of Thy grace; and when we 
 awake may it be to a sense of gladness and of strength 
 in the assurance of Thy favor. Thus, whether we 
 wake or whether we sleep, we shall live together with 
 Thee whose favor is life and whose loving-kindness 
 is better than life. Amen. 
 
 Charles M. Stuart.
 
 3fuue 7 161 
 
 77>£ smallest roadside pool has its water from heaven 
 and its gleam from the sun, and can hold the stars 
 in its bosom, as well as the great ocean. Even so, the 
 humblest man or woman can live splendidly. That 
 is the royal truth that we need to believe, you and I 
 who have no " mission," and no great sphere to move 
 in. The universe is not quite complete without my 
 work well done. Have you ever read George Eliot's 
 poem called " Stradivarius ? " Stradivartus was the 
 famous old violin-maker, whose violins, nearly two 
 centuries old, are almost worth their weight in gold 
 today. Says Stradivarius in the poem: 
 
 If my hand slacked, 
 I shoul 1 rob God — since He is fullest good — 
 Leaving a blank instead of violins. 
 He could not make Antonio Stradivari's violins 
 Without Antonio." 
 
 William C. Gannett. 
 
 Dear Father, may we be true just because we are 
 Thy children; and wherever we are, whether any 
 one is looking on or not, whether there is fame to 
 be won or not, let us be true to Thee, true to the ideals 
 of our own souls, and so help produce that perfection 
 and harmony that shall make up the music of the 
 world. We realize that we cannot do any great 
 thing; but we are glad that Thou hast made us a 
 sharer in Thy work at all, and that there is some 
 little thing we can do. Let us do it faithfully, then, 
 as for Thee, and so win the " Well done, good and 
 faithful servant ! " Amen. 
 
 Minot J. Savage.
 
 1 62 Sfttue 8 
 
 You are a block of rough marble. You may some 
 time come to be a statue of splendid proportions, but 
 must be chiseled and hammered before that consum- 
 mation can be reached. Grief, struggle, disappointment, 
 the whole range of sad experiences which fill life so 
 full, are the tools with which the Great Artist will 
 change your shape by slow degrees and convert you 
 from a mere block to a thing of beauty. 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 When the song's gone out of your life, you can't 
 start another while it's a-ringtng in your ears: it's 
 best to have a bit o' silence, and out o' that maybe a 
 psalm'll come, by and by. 
 
 Edward Garrett. 
 
 Our Father, though Thou standest with Master's 
 tool in hand, we fear Thee not. Thou wilt not strike 
 a blow unneeded or amiss. Thou wilt not mar the 
 work, or fail to change the rude block into beauty. 
 O God, we will rejoice even in the shock of blows 
 which hurt, since we know the Hand which gives 
 them, and the loving Mind which purposes our good. 
 Let us be patient while with blow on blow Thou 
 fashionest our lives according to the image of our 
 Master. Nor let us hinder Thy work by vain com- 
 plainings, but with glad co-operation let us help Thee 
 with dreams and hopes of nobler life. Amen. 
 
 Frederick DeLand Leete.
 
 $xmt 9 163 
 
 " What shall I talk about? " Alice Freeman Palmer, 
 one of the earlier presidents of Wellesley College, once 
 asked the girls of a school in the slums of the city. 
 One girl replied, " Tell us how to be happy." " The 
 tears rushed to my eyes," wrote Mrs. Palmer, and 
 a lump came into my throat. Happy in such sur- 
 roundings ! " Well," said I, " I will give you my 
 three rules for being happy, but mind, you must all 
 promise to keep them for a week, and not skip a single 
 day, for they wont work if you skip one single day. 
 The first is that you will commit something to memory 
 every day, something good. It needn't be much, three 
 or four words will do, just a pretty bit of poem or Bible 
 verse. . . . The second rule is, look for something 
 pretty every day, and don't skip a day or it won't 
 work. A leaf, a flower, a cloud, — you can all find 
 something. My third rule is — now mind, don't 
 skip a day ! — do something for somebody every day. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 O Thou, who hast given us all things, really to 
 enjoy, give us grace, day by day, to treasure up in 
 memory's store-house the truth Thou wouldst have 
 us know, and give us such sensitiveness of soul as 
 shall be swiftly and sweetly responsive to the beauty 
 Thou wouldst have us see and with which Thou 
 hast garnished our pilgrim pathway, and give us 
 strength to perform all the duty Thou wouldst have 
 us do so that we shall be richer for having lived in 
 this Thy world and the world shall be richer for our 
 having lived in it. Amen. 
 
 P. S. Henson.
 
 i6 4 3fune 10 
 
 Oh ! that cheerful, childlike trust which believes 
 that all shall be right with the world because God is 
 in Heaven; which believes that, whatever storms shake 
 earth or Heaven, the everlasting pillars are not shaken, 
 — is it not sublime ? 
 
 N. A. Staples. 
 
 As some rare perfume in a vase of clay 
 Pervades it with a fragrance not its own; 
 
 So, when Thou dwellest in a human soul 
 
 All Heavens own sweetness seems about it thrown; 
 
 The soul alone, like a neglected harp 
 
 Grows out of tune, and needs Thy hand Divine; 
 
 Dwell Thou within it, tune and touch its chords, 
 
 Till every note and string shall answer Thine! 
 
 Harriet Beecher Stowe. 
 
 O Thou who makest the outgoings of the morning 
 and the evening to rejoice, we thank Thee for the 
 blessings of this day. We thank Thee for the strength 
 which has enabled us to toil, for the love that has 
 prompted us to minister, for the guidance of the 
 still small voice when we were tempted to err, for the 
 light which has sifted through our clouds of sorrow 
 and of doubt, for the hope that has made the step 
 elastic, the yoke easy and the burden light. And now 
 we lay ourselves down in peace to sleep, assured 
 that He who has sustained us during the day will 
 make us dwell in safety beneath His unslumbering 
 eye. Amen. 
 
 Thomas D. Anderson.
 
 Sttltt U 165 
 
 The secret of life is not to be what one likes, but to 
 try to like that which one has to do; and one does come 
 to like it in time. 
 
 Dinah A^ulock Craik. 
 
 When a man says, " This is well enough for today, 
 but tomorrow I shall have more and better" he is 
 just in the state of mind that makes the more and the 
 better possible. But when one feels that his circum- 
 stances are not only a hardship, but also an injustice, 
 he can neither get out of his present the best there is 
 in it, nor look forward to the future with anything like 
 good cheer. 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 Thou infinite spirit of ceaseless energy, who 
 workes evermore, we thank Thee for our own 
 divine call to work. Thou givest dignity to our 
 daily toil by calling us to co-operate with Thee. 
 Save us, we pray Thee, from discontent with 
 our task. Save us from the common lot of the 
 drudge, by giving us a sense of the divine part- 
 nership in which we are working, and give us 
 grace to be glad in the opportunity for service 
 that comes through work. So may our hum- 
 blest toils be blessed and our lives be crowned. 
 Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 1 66 Suite 12 
 
 / hear it often in the dark, 
 
 I hear it in the light, — 
 Where is the voice that comes to me 
 
 With such a quiet mights' 
 
 It seems but echo to my thought, 
 
 And yet beyond the stars ! 
 It seems a heart beat in a hush, 
 
 And yet the planet jars ! 
 
 O, may it be that far within 
 
 My inmost soul there lies 
 A spirit-sky that opens with 
 
 Those voices of surprise? 
 
 Then is God's heaven my very soul! 
 
 And his, so sweet and strong, 
 The Breath that sweeps its silences, 
 
 And fills my heart with song ! 
 
 William C. Gannett. 
 
 Thou Father of Light, how can we pray unless 
 Thou givest the prayer we utter ? May we be still 
 and know that Thou art God. All our springs are 
 in Thee. We live because Thou livest in us. We 
 think because Thou thinkest in us. We love only 
 when Thou lovest in us. So only can we pray when 
 Thou prayest in us. Speak to us, Father, and we will 
 answer Thee. Call us and we will follow Thee. 
 What is it to love Thee, O Father, but to open our 
 hearts to Thy love for us ? In Thy restfulness shall 
 be our peace, in Thy purity our perfection, in Thy 
 love our joy, and in Thy service our satisfaction. 
 Amen. 
 
 Charles E. Stowe.
 
 3jfuue 13 167 
 
 Look back on your life and see what blessed in- 
 fluences have come to you to form your character, to 
 ennoble your aims, to inspire you with a true spirit. 
 All this is only a preparation for a deeper and fuller 
 life of love, which God means to give to all of us on the 
 condition of faith. Believe that what He has begun 
 He means to carry on and finish. That is, trust Him. 
 Do not doubt His nearness, His influence, His good- 
 will. 
 
 James Freeman Clarke. 
 
 Grant unto us, O Lord, our God, that light of 
 faith by which we shall discern Thee in everything. 
 Art not Thou the tree of life to us ? Dost Thou 
 not give shadows as the trees do ? But when winter 
 comes, then Thou art not the tree, that with shadow 
 brings chill. Thou art the very sun. Thou art our 
 warmth and our light. Thou art, O Lord, our food. 
 When we are faint, Thou art the water of life to 
 comfort us. Thou art our star, shining in the dark- 
 ness, and telling us the way when we are lost. Though 
 we cannot see what it is, we follow its light without 
 questioning, and are rescued. Thou art our rest 
 and our home. Thou art all in all. 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 168 $unt 14 
 
 Not all who seem to fail have jailed indeed; 
 
 Not all who fail have therefore worked in vain; 
 For all our acts to many issues lead, 
 
 And out of earnest purpose, pure and plain, 
 Enforced by honest toil of hand or brain, 
 The Lord will fashion in His own good time 
 Such ends as to His wisdom fthest chime 
 With His vast love's eternal harmonies. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 O Thou source of all goodness and strength, I lift 
 my heart in filial confidence to Thee who hast as- 
 signed me my task in life. I may have seemed to 
 fail in doing it but I know that Thine heart of infinite 
 love has accepted my service. Faulty indeed it has 
 been, but Thy wisdom has overruled all its imper- 
 fection for good. A bruised reed, men may think me 
 to be useless in helping swell the world's harmonies, 
 but Thou, the tender Shepherd, hast not broken it, 
 but refashioned and reattuned it to chime in with the 
 divine music of heaven and earth. I lay me down and 
 sleep resting in this full assurance of faith. May I 
 awake in Thy likeness more ready than when slumber 
 touched my eyelids for more gracious and acceptable 
 service to Thee and my fellowmen. Amen. 
 
 Samuel Fallows.
 
 3Juttt 15 169 
 
 There is a peace which no men know 
 Save those whom suffering hath laid low, — 
 The peace of pain. 
 
 A strength, which only comes to those 
 Who've borne defeat, — greater, God knows, 
 Than victory. 
 
 A happiness, which comes at last, 
 After all happiness seems past, — 
 The joy of peace. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Good Father, we adore Thee for the gifts which 
 enrich our lives. In the contemplation of all Thou 
 sendest us, our gratitude is quickened, our com- 
 plainings are hushed, and our troubles seem as the 
 line dust of the balance. Yet we thank Thee even 
 for the difficulties we have had to face, the hardships 
 that have befallen us, and the defeats that seemed at 
 first to crush us. Thou art teaching us that it is not 
 success or victory alone that gives life worth, but 
 that the finer graces of character blossom in the 
 pathway of failure and defeat. Grant us, we be- 
 seech Thee, the culture of soul that adversity brings, 
 and may we rise to the joy of Thy companionship, 
 in which alone true peace is found. Amen. 
 
 Herbert L. Willett.
 
 i/o 3Jutu 16 
 
 It isn't the thing you do, dear, 
 
 It's the thing you leave undone, 
 
 Which gives you the bit of heartache 
 
 At the setting of the sun. 
 
 The tender word forgotten, 
 
 The letter you did not write, 
 
 The flower you might have sent, dear, 
 
 Are your haunting ghosts tonight. 
 
 The stone you might have lifted 
 
 Out of a brother's way, 
 
 The bit of heartsome counsel 
 
 You were hurried too much to say; 
 
 The loving touch of the hand, dear, 
 
 The gentle and winsome tone, 
 
 That you had no time or thought for 
 
 With troubles enough of your own. 
 
 Margaret E. Sangster. 
 
 Our God and Father, Thou art continually blessing 
 and helping Thy children; Thy bounty and Thy 
 patience never fail. This day has brought again to 
 all the evidence of Thy continued loving-kindness. 
 Forgive us, O our Father, if accepting so much from 
 Thee, we sometimes forget the claims our brothers 
 and sisters make upon our sympathy and our love. 
 Teach us how to minister unto others as Thou art 
 ever ministering unto us. And when the evening of 
 life shall come, may we be able to hear the " Well 
 done, good and faithful servant " which shall bring 
 us lasting peace as we lie down to rest. Amen. 
 
 Arthur Wilder Grose.
 
 3ftwe 17 171 
 
 All day among our fellow-men we move; 
 
 And in our homes, or on t.JC busy street, 
 Exchange with them our gold, our hate and love; 
 
 Pass this one by, and this one smiling greet; 
 Add yet a little to the hoarded store 
 
 That we have heaped in long laborious days; 
 Or tired of this, we say we'll toil no more, 
 
 And follow after joy through pleasant ways. 
 But at the last the day is done, and when 
 
 Our little earth is fading on the sight, 
 God's world-sown universe, appearing then, 
 
 Throngs all the splendid spaces of the night; 
 Our waking spirit then begins to rise 
 
 And soar on new-found wings beyond the skies. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 O gracious Lord, I thank Thee for a busy day. 
 At its close I bring to Thee my evening offering, its 
 service, crude and uncomely in Thy sight, trusting 
 Thou mayest find it precious as a loving service, the 
 best Thy loyal child could give. Confer upon it 
 Thy blessing that the activities of this day may wholly 
 further Thy will. Refresh me this night. Prepare 
 me for further service. I pray not for ease but strength, 
 not for peace but victory. Let not the distractions 
 of a busy life, the allurement of gain, the burden of 
 continuous care, the discouragement of disappointed 
 hope, the invitation of pleasure, or the solicitation of 
 men swerve me from Thee. Make and keep me 
 pure. Guide me unerringly that after the last eventide 
 I may lie down to awaken in Thy glory. Amen. 
 Edwin M. Randall.
 
 172 3tmc 18 
 
 An angel, robed in spotless white, 
 Bent down and kissed the sleeping Night. 
 Night woke to blush; the sprite was gone, 
 Men saw the blush and called it Dawn. 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar. 
 
 Above the clear sky was full of stars, and among them 
 the beautiful planet Jupiter shone serene. The sky 
 was of a lovely night blue; it was an hour to think, to 
 dream, to revere, to love — a time when, if ever it 
 will, the soul reigns, and the coarse rude acts of day are 
 forgotten in the aspirations of the inmost mind. The 
 night was calm — still; it was in no haste to do any- 
 thing — it had nothing it needed to do. To be is enough 
 for the stars. 
 
 Richard Jefferies. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, let the days and the nights 
 speak to our hearts, that we may join in the song 
 of old, " The heavens declare the glory of God and 
 the firmament showeth His handiwork, day unto 
 day uttereth speech and night unto night showeth 
 knowledge of Thee." When the stars shine amid 
 the blue of the sky may it awake in our hearts some 
 sense of eternity. May we turn away from things 
 that pass in a night and lay hold of the things that 
 abide. Beautiful and wonderful as are the stars in 
 the sky, may the soul of man be to us yet more beauti- 
 ful and more wonderful. O lead us from Nature up 
 to Nature's God. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 $UUt 19 173 
 
 Do you not know what it is to be failing every day, 
 and yet to be sure — humbly but deeply sure — that 
 your life ts, as a whole, in its great movement, and 
 meaning, not failing, but succeeding ? You want to 
 do the best work that a man can do, — to make life 
 brighter and nobler for your fellow-men. Not a day 
 passes, but that you do not somehow try to do that 
 blessed work; but every time you turn away after one 
 of those attempts to give sympathy or inspiration to 
 your brethren, how your heart sinks, so cold and 
 ignoble are the words which you meant to be so generous 
 and warm ! And yet after all you know that the whole 
 life does not fail. Still there is the purpose ! It does 
 not die. It is not given up. It presses forward, 
 wounded and bleeding, but more and more determined 
 every day. Every day it grows clearer and clearer to 
 you that without that wish and hope and resolution, 
 life would not be worth living. 
 
 Phillips Brooks. 
 
 O God, led by Thee, we have completed another 
 day's march " towards heaven ! Today the way 
 has been rough, and our feet are torn and bleeding, 
 but we thank Thee that our purpose to serve Thee 
 and our fellow-men has not faltered. It is enough for 
 us that we have Thy sympathy. And so, with serene 
 confidence we wait for the renewals of the night that 
 we may be better fitted for the tasks of the day to 
 come. Help us to be strong against intruding doubts 
 and the depression of weariness, and bring us to the 
 new day in such a temper of mind that we may go 
 forward and finish our course with joy ! Amen. 
 Henry Irving Cushman.
 
 i74 Sunt 20 
 
 When a soul 
 Burns with a godlike purpose to achieve, 
 All obstacles between it and its goal 
 Must vanish as the dew before the sun. 
 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 I could not keep on with the fight; 
 
 I could not face my want, my sin, 
 The baffled hope, the urgent foe, 
 The mighty wrong, the struggling right, 
 Excepting that I surely know 
 Some time — 
 Some time, some dear time, — / shall win. 
 
 Susan Coolidge. 
 
 Gracious Father, we want to feel Thy Presence 
 now, we need to know that Thou art here, and that 
 Thou art interested in what we do and say at this 
 hallowed evening hour, as we take an upward look 
 of thankfulness before retiring to rest. May we 
 realize that to-day we have co-labored with Thee, 
 that in Thy great tasks Thou hast needed strong men 
 and women to help Thee, that our work has been 
 Thy work, and Thy work has been our work, and 
 all our triumphs have been Thy triumph and Thy 
 joy. May we rest in the Lord this night, and on the 
 morrow go forth in Thy strength to overcome every 
 adversary, resist every temptation, bear every burden, 
 endure every trial, and win every victory over our- 
 selves and the world. Amen. 
 
 Ralph E. Conner.
 
 Suite 21 175 
 
 You groped your way across my room 1' the drear 
 
 dark of night; 
 At each fresh step a stumble was; but, once your lamp 
 
 alight, 
 Easy and plain you walked again: so soon all wrong 
 
 grew right ! 
 
 What lay on floor to trip your foot? Each object, late 
 
 awry, 
 Looked fitly placed, nor proved offence to footing free 
 
 — for why ? 
 The lamp showed all, discordant late, grown simple 
 
 symmetry. 
 
 Be love your light and trust your guide, with these 
 
 explore my heart ! 
 No obstacle to trip you then, strike hands and souls 
 
 apart ! 
 Since rooms and hearts are furnished so, — light shows 
 
 you, — need love start ? 
 
 Robert Browning. 
 
 O God, who givest light and darkness, joy and 
 sorrow and life and death, help us amid earth's 
 changes to be steadfast and serene. Thou hast 
 taught us to say. " In the beginning, God." May 
 we come to Thee for succor not only at the end of 
 life when the mortal mist gathers round us, but at 
 the beginning of each day, and in the formation of 
 each new plan. May we look to Thee not at the 
 end of our resources, but at the beginning of our toil. 
 Give us evermore to realize that Thou art closer 
 than any earthly friend, nearer even than our doubts 
 and fears. Amen. 
 
 W. H. P. Faunce.
 
 176 SttttC 22 
 
 Whether any particular day shall bring to you more 
 happiness or suffering is largely beyond your power 
 to determine. Whether each day of your life shall 
 give happiness or suffering rests with yourself. 
 
 George S. Merriam. 
 
 Every human soul has the germ of some flowers 
 within; and they would open if they could only find 
 sunshine and free air to expand it. I always told you 
 that not having enough of sunshine was what ailed the 
 world. Make people happy, and there will not be half 
 the quarreling or a tenth part of the wickedness there 
 is. 
 
 Mrs. L. M. Child. 
 
 Heavenly Father, whose banner over us is love 
 and whose tender mercy is toward all Thy children, 
 we know not what a day may bring forth, we only 
 know that the hour for serving Thee is always present. 
 In the time of prosperity temper our self-confidence 
 with thankfulness and in the day of adversity suffer 
 not our trust in Thee to fail. Grant us patience 
 under any afflictions that may come to us and in 
 whatsoever state we are, herewith to be content. 
 Especially we ask Thee to remember in pity such as 
 are destitute, homeless, or forgotten. Uplift those 
 who are cast down and mightily befriend innocent 
 sufferers. Cheer with hope all discouraged and 
 unhappy people, and grant us grace to know no 
 happiness greater than bringing sunshine into others' 
 lives, to count no day complete without its deed cf 
 kindness that so at evening time it may be light and 
 pur lying down may be in peace. Amen. 
 
 Reginald H. Howe.
 
 3Jttue 23 177 
 
 God keepeth not His angels 
 
 All in Heaven; 
 The ministries of some 
 
 To earth are given; 
 And oft the shades 
 
 That seem to mar life's day 
 Are but their shadows 
 
 Falling on our way. 
 By every troubled soul 
 
 Some angel stands 
 And stretches forth 
 
 Her gentle, pitying hands. 
 
 E. W. Shurtleff. 
 
 O God, our Heavenly Father, we would remember 
 that Thou hast made us and not we ourselves, — 
 that we come to Thee and go to Thee, and that our 
 lives are lived in Thy presence. Grant unto us in 
 this night as well as in the day that all Thy blessed 
 ministries may make music in our souls, bring balm 
 to our wounded spirits, and the peace that passeth 
 understanding in fulness of power as we rest our- 
 selves within Thine all-embracing arms. So inspire 
 and lead and guide us all, that at the last we may lay 
 us down to rest, evermore secure in Thee. Amen. 
 
 George W. Colson.
 
 178 Sttue 24 
 
 The cynics say that every rose 
 
 Is guarded by a thorn which grows 
 
 To spoil our posies: 
 But I no pleasure therefore lack; 
 I keep my hands behind my back 
 
 When smelling roses. 
 
 Though outwardly a gloomy shroud, 
 The inner half of every cloud 
 Is bright and shining: 
 I therefore turn my clouds about, 
 And always wear them inside out 
 To show the lining. 
 
 My modus operandi this — 
 
 To take no heed of what's amiss; 
 
 And not a bad one: 
 Because, as Shakespeare used to say, 
 A merry heart goes twice the way 
 
 That tires a sad one. 
 
 Ellen T. F. Felkins. 
 
 O Infinite Lover, we thank Thee for our creation. 
 Grant unto us clear vision that behind all apparent 
 confusion, wrong and mistake, we may discern the 
 infinite order, the everlasting righteousness, the per- 
 fect certainty of Thy sufficient providence. Con- 
 vince us of the vast profit of human life. Teach us 
 the beauty and duty of hope and good cheer. Cause 
 our hearts to sing. Bless unto our good the day 
 now drawing to its close, and so influence us that 
 because of what we have thought and wrought during 
 its fleeting hours we may grow in trust. Amen. 
 
 George E. Huntley.
 
 3Htuc 25 179 
 
 No pure and simple life, true to itself, true to its 
 maker, was ever lived on this earth that was not a 
 voice on God's behalf, however still and small, and that 
 did not, in its sincere and humble way, declare a hope 
 and reveal a faith which might well be the evidence 
 of things unseen. 
 
 Alexander Gordon. 
 
 Whoever produces order in one little corner of the 
 world is a co-worker with God. To make a kitchen 
 clean, to set a chamber in order, that it may not offend, 
 to dust the furniture of a parlor, to shovel the snow from 
 a sidewalk, to remove the weeds from a garden, to make 
 a little of the desert arable, to replace thistle with rose, 
 to drive ignorance out of some mind, to bring in knowl- 
 edge and morality ! Is not any one of these tasks 
 enough to relate us to God, who has, from all eternity, 
 been working against chaos and disorder? 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 We thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and 
 earth, for Thy gift to us in the day now closing. 
 Forgive us that we have so dimly seen its worth, so 
 poorly understood our birthright, as to misuse or 
 neglect its opportunities for filial service. Show 
 us the meaning of our daily cares and duties, and 
 make us glad in the knowledge that fidelity binds 
 us to Thee and makes for righteousness. Let the 
 consciousness that we are in Thy gracious keeping 
 fill our minds with peace, and the night with gratitude 
 and rest. May we fear no evil, because Thou art 
 our Father and our God. Amen. 
 
 Costello Weston.
 
 i8o 3unt 26 
 
 / tell you the soul shapes to itself a life, whether the 
 outer life conform to it or not. What else is imagination 
 %iven for ? Outside may be cold and darkness. Tour 
 hands may stretch into an unresponsive vo.d. Yet 
 in your spirits are ye blessed. There find ye, wide open, 
 the door into the kingdom ! As in a dream, paths 
 impossible to sense show plain and sudden transit into 
 distant places, — so from your shut souls widens out 
 an entrance-way into God's everlasting joy ! 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Thou Creator of life, we thank Thee that we too 
 may command the light to shine. Thou hast placed 
 the tools of creation in our hands. Thou hast bidden 
 us to imitate Thy work. We thank Thee that we 
 too may be creators in the field of life. We are glad 
 that we may turn the trial into a blessing and the 
 cross into a highway, and use all things in building 
 up a richer life. It is good to remember that nothing 
 can keep us from Thee. Forgive our failures, Father. 
 Receive us this night and refresh our spirits. To- 
 morrow may the weariness be forgotten and hope 
 be strong. Daily with Jesus, may we find old things 
 passing away and all things becoming new. Amen. 
 
 Arthur S. Baldwin.
 
 Sunt 27 181 
 
 Then the moon slips up into the sky from behind 
 the eastern hills, and the fisherman begins to think of 
 home, and of the foolish fond old rhymes about those 
 whom the moon sees far away, and the stars that have 
 the power to fulfil wishes — as if the celestial bodies 
 knew or cared anything about our small nerve-thrills 
 which we call affection and desires. But if there were 
 Some One above the moon and stars who did know and 
 care, Some One who could see the places and people 
 that you and I would give so much to see, Some One 
 who could do for them all of kindness that you and I 
 fain would do, Some One able to keep our beloved in 
 perfect peace and watch over the little children sleeping 
 in their beds beyond the sea — what then ? Why, 
 then, in the evening hour, one might have thoughts 
 of home that would go across the ocean by way of 
 Heaven, and be better than dreams, almost as good as 
 prr.yers. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, in whom is 
 no darkness at all, we lift up our hearts unto Thee. 
 Abide with us, we pray Thee, through the watches 
 of this night. After the labors of the day, renew us 
 with Thy peace. Quiet Thou our troubled spirits 
 with Thy serene and shining presence. Be with 
 our beloved wherever they may fare, and use the 
 affectionate thoughts of our hearts as paths for the 
 imitations of Thy grace. And as our bodies sink 
 to slumber may our souls repose profoundly in Thee, 
 that, refreshed and quickened by Thy spirit, we may 
 arise to a new day of service and joy. Amen. 
 
 Frederic \V. Perkins.
 
 182 $unt 28 
 
 Methinks we do as fretful children do, 
 
 Leaning their faces on the window-pane 
 
 To sigh the glass dim with their own breath's stain, 
 
 And shut the sky and landscape from their view; 
 
 And thus, alas ! — since God the Maker drew 
 
 A mystic separation 'twixt those twain, 
 
 The life beyond us and our souls in pain — 
 
 We miss the prospect which we're called unto. 
 
 Be still and strong, 
 man, my brother, hold thy sobbing breath, 
 And keep thy soul's large window pure from wrong, 
 That so, as life's appointment issueth, 
 Thy vision may be clear to watch, along 
 The sunset, consummation-lights of death. 
 
 Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 
 
 Almighty God, who art Thyself light, and in Whom 
 there is no darkness at all, let us know that evening 
 mists are wholly of the earth and not of heaven. 
 Since our dim eyes can see Thee but imperfectly 
 at best, leave us not to increase the obscurity of our 
 vision by the evaporations of doubt, murmuring and 
 self-will. May the medium through which we look 
 be that of a crystal-clear faith, and may we see Thee 
 and duty and privilege and blessing, as Christ saw 
 them, and because He bade our opened eyes see them 
 too. O, let nothing divine escape Our view here, 
 and prepare us for the sunrise vision hereafter. This 
 we plead in the name of Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Fkederic Campbell-
 
 3unt 29 183 
 
 Some botanists were one day bunting for specimens 
 of mountain plants in the Highlands of Scotland, and 
 descried several scarce and beautiful plants growing at 
 some distance down the face of a steep precipice. The 
 precipice was fully two hundred feet high. They saw 
 a boy near, and offered him a handsome present of 
 money if he would allow himself to be lowered down 
 by a rope and fill a small basket with the flowers. The 
 boy shrank back at first, but he remembered that his par- 
 ents were poor, and that the money would be of great use 
 to them, and at last he bravely said, " / will go if my 
 father holds the rope." And then, with unshrinking 
 nerves, and his heart strong and bold, he suffered his 
 father, when he came, to put the rope round his waist, 
 lower htm down the side of the precipice, and hold 
 him there while he filled his basket with the flowers. 
 It was a daring deed, and it was only the boy's trust 
 in the strength of his father's arm, and in the loving 
 care of his father's heart, that enabled him to perform 
 it. 
 
 William Moodie. 
 
 Our Father in Heaven, we thank Thee that Thou 
 dost never call us to any task which is too hard or 
 dangerous for us. It may look difficult, even impos- 
 sible, but with Thy love caring for us, Thy wisdom 
 watching over us, Thy strength made perfect in 
 our weakness, nothing that Thou dost command is 
 impossible. So we will go forward, trusting Thee 
 in the dark as well as in the light, knowing that 
 Thou wilt cause us to go through no darker rooms 
 than Christ our Lord has been through before. At 
 last our tasks will all be done, our perils over, and we 
 shall dwell with Thee forever. Amen. 
 
 Francis E. Clark.
 
 1 84 $ttW 30 
 
 A little sprang had lost its way, 
 
 Among the grass and fern; 
 A passing stranger scooped a well, 
 
 Where weary men might turn. 
 He walled it in, and hung with care 
 
 A ladle at its brink — 
 He thought not of the deed he did, 
 
 But judged that toil might drink. 
 He passed again, and lo ! the well 
 
 By summers never dried, 
 Had cooled ten thousand parching tongues, 
 
 And saved a life beside. 
 
 Lord Houghton. 
 
 O Lord, our Heavenly Father, who hast almighty 
 power, and needest not that any man help Thee, we 
 thank Thee that Thou dost entrust to Thy children 
 some share in the fulfilment of Thine infinite purpose, 
 and dost give unto each of the lowliest the privilege 
 of working with Thee. Inspire us with gladness in 
 the discharge of our daily duties; teach us that 
 nothing is common or unclean which ministers to 
 the good of our brethren; and illumine our humblest 
 task with the glory of Thy presence. Forbid that we 
 should be hirelings, laboring only for the praise of 
 men; but so grant Thy strength and Thy blessing 
 that we may serve in the spirit of Him who counted 
 not His life dear unto Himself, and left us an example 
 that we should follow. Amen. 
 
 Mary Danforth Dodge.
 
 smig i 185 
 
 In the deep night a little bird 
 Wakens, or dreams he is awake; 
 
 Cheerily clear one phrase is heard, 
 
 And you almost feel the morning break. 
 
 Andrew Hedbrook. 
 
 Through the long voyage we may welcome day, 
 
 Glad when the night is gone, 
 So many threat ning perils of the way 
 
 Vanish before the dawn; 
 
 And yet a deeper darkness we may crave 
 
 When strife indeed is past, 
 And we from stress of tempest and of wave 
 
 Are nearing port at last. 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 Our gracious Heavenly Father, though the night 
 darkens, the stars are shining; and even though we 
 cannot always see them shining because of storm- 
 clouds, we know they still shine above the clouds. 
 Help us to spiritual vision and knowledge. Help us 
 always to grip the certainty of Thine unfailing love 
 and care. So may we have songs in the night. So in 
 our deepest hearts may there be an undisturbed 
 gladness. Give us, we beseech Thee, this boon of 
 trust and cheer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 Wavland IIoyt.
 
 i86 3Jttl£ 2 
 
 Abou Ben Adhem — may his tribe increase ! 
 
 Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, 
 
 And saw within the moonlight in the room, 
 
 Making it rich and like a lily in bloom, 
 
 An angel writing in a book of gold, 
 
 Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, 
 
 And to the presence in the room he said, 
 
 " What writest thou ? " The vision raised its head, 
 
 And with a look made of all sweet accord, 
 
 Answered, The names of those who love the Lord." 
 
 1 And is mine one ? " said Abou. " Nay, not so," 
 
 Replied the angel. Adhem spoke more low, 
 
 But cheerly still, and said, " / pray thee, then, 
 
 Write me as one that loves his fellow-men." 
 
 The angel wrote and vanished. The next night 
 
 It came again with a great wakening light, 
 
 And showed their names whom love of God had blessed — 
 
 And lo ! Ben Adhem' s name led all the rest. 
 
 Leigh Hunt. 
 
 Heavenly Father, abide with us this night. Let 
 rot earth's evening shadows reach into our souls. 
 Refresh us with Thy presence while we rest in sleep 
 by night, and while our thoughts are fixed upon our 
 work by day, that we may transmit to others the 
 impulses of our love as unconsciously and effectively 
 as Thou dost transmit them to us. Abide with us 
 that we may learn of Thee how to love and serve 
 our fellow-men. Create in us a clean heart and 
 renew a right spirit within us. Amen. 
 John B. Lemon.
 
 3fttl£ 3 187 
 
 Silence, solitude, the flocks noiselessly moving about 
 him, the eagle sailing in slow circles above his head, 
 the dawn struggling with night on the far-away hills, 
 the dewdrops sparkling on the grass, the loud stream 
 rushing through its rocky bed, the black shadow's 
 deepening in the narrow glen, the sheep gathering 
 nearer to him and couching themselves in the twilight, 
 the distant roar of the lion, the great stars sliding 
 through the night, the trembling fugitive sharing 
 his plain food as they looked down together from some 
 safe eyrie upon the pastures below, — these were the 
 forms and colours of David's early life; and out of 
 them he weaves a beautiful garment to clothe his thought 
 of God. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Here in our quiet home, Thou God of Nature and 
 our God, we prepare us for the night, knowing that 
 the holy stars will guard and the sentinel planets 
 will keep safe our slumbering forms. " Even from 
 everlasting to everlasting Thou art God." Thou 
 hast given Thine angels charge over us, and they 
 will keep our feet from stumbling and our path from 
 leading us over a cliff. Sweet be our sleep, happy our 
 dreams; and may we arise on the morrow to lives 
 of cheerfulness and courage, eagerly ready to take 
 up our daily work, for we know and believe that we, 
 even we, have a part in that great moral order of 
 Thine by which all things are working together for 
 good. Amen. 
 
 Henry R. Rose.
 
 188 3*Ulg 4 
 
 Mother Earth, are the heroes dead! 
 
 Do they thrill the soul of the years no more? 
 
 Are the gleaming snows and the poppies red 
 
 All that is left of the brave of yore ? 
 
 Are there none to fight as Theseus fought, 
 
 Far in the young world's misty dawn, 
 
 Or to teach as the gray-haired Nestor taught? 
 
 Mother Earth, are the heroes gone? 
 
 Gone ? In a grander form they rise. 
 
 Dead? We may clasp their hands in ours 
 
 And catch the light of their clearer eyes, 
 
 And wreathe their brows with immortal flowers. 
 
 Wherever a noble deed is done 
 
 'Tis the pulse of a hero's heart is stirred; 
 
 Wherever the right has a triumph won, 
 
 There are the heroes' voices heard. 
 
 Edna Dean Proctor. 
 
 O Thou whose gifts are beyond words, Thou in 
 whose loving Fatherhood we are content to abide, 
 help us to know that Thou art near us today, and 
 every day of our life on earth. Give us, we pray Thee, 
 that faith in the conquering power of good deeds and 
 purposes which may enable us to contend successfully 
 against the infirmities and temptations to which our 
 nature is subject. May a sense of the true values of 
 life keep us in the faith appointed for us. May we 
 seek the patience of Thy saints and the wisdom of 
 Thy prophets, and the self-devotion of Thy martyrs, 
 and may our worship give us a place in the great 
 Church Universal of love and service forever. In 
 Christ's name. Amen. 
 
 Julia Ward Howe.
 
 3Htig 5 189 
 
 One hot July morning a boy was hoeing corn in a 
 field. Apparently oblivious to the heat and indifferent 
 as to the exactions of his toil, he whistled while he 
 ivorked. A dust-laden traveler stopped his horse, drew 
 up to the fence, and called out, " Hello, my lad, I am 
 curious to know how you can hoe corn on a day like 
 this and whistle while you work." " Well, sir," 
 replied the lad, " I don't know unless it is that I feel 
 somehow that I am a doin somethin that even the 
 Almighty couldn't do if I wasn't here to help Him." 
 What fine faith is that ! In partnership with God ! 
 So is every honest, earnest man who does well some work 
 that needs to be done. How the task is dignified ! 
 There is no drudgery to the man who feels that he is 
 working with God. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Father of all, help me to hear Thy high and holy 
 call in every homely duty and every humble task: 
 in the drudgery of housekeeping; in the dreariness 
 of accounts; in the difficulty of study; in the hardness 
 of toil; in the competition of trade; in the claims of 
 society; in the fight with appetite; in the struggle 
 with poverty; in the management of wealth; in the 
 love of friends, in courtesy to foes. In all the common 
 experiences of life help me to see Thy love going 
 before me to point out the way my love must take: 
 help me to feel Thy strength within me making hard 
 things easy, and translating the otherwise impossible 
 into accomplished fact. Amen. 
 William DeWitt Hyde.
 
 190 3Htl£ 
 
 Strive: Yet I do not promise 
 
 The prize you dream of today 
 Will not jade when you think to grasp it, 
 
 And melt in your hand away; 
 But another and holier treasure, 
 
 You would now perchance disdain, 
 Will come when your toil is over, 
 
 And pay you for all your pain. 
 
 Watt: Yet I do not tell you 
 
 The hour you long for now 
 Will not come with its radiance vanished, 
 
 And a shadow upon its brow; 
 Yet far through the misty future, 
 
 With a crown of starry light, 
 An hour of ]oy you know not 
 
 Is winging her silent flight. 
 
 Adelaide A. Procter. 
 
 Infinite and loving God, my heavenly Father, I 
 pause in the evening hour that my trust in Thee may be 
 strengthened. Too much, I run the race alone, 
 relying upon my own strength, taking satisfaction 
 from the vantage ground of the present hour. Real- 
 izing that the race is long, and coming upon the 
 difficult way I sometimes falter. Help me to press 
 on with that energy and patience which should 
 characterize the child who is conscious of his divine 
 heritage. Fill me with Thy spirit, for in likeness 
 to Thee I shall attain the true heart's desire and 
 accomplish those things that are worth while. I 
 thank Thee for this moment of communication. 
 Amen. 
 
 Eugene L. Conklin.
 
 3?ul£ 7 191 
 
 / wonder if ever a song was sung 
 
 But the singer's heart sang sweeter! 
 I wonder if ever a rhyme was rung 
 
 But the thought surpassed the metre ! 
 I wonder if ever a sculptor wrought 
 'Til the cold stone echoed his ardent thought ! 
 Or if ever a painter, with light and shade. 
 The dream of his inmost heart portrayed ! 
 
 I wonder if ever a rose was found, 
 And there might not be a fairer ! 
 
 Or if ever a glittering gem was ground, 
 And we dreamed not of a rarer ! 
 
 Ah ! Never on earth shall we find the best ! 
 
 But it waits for us in the Land of Rest; 
 
 And a perfect thing we shall never behold 
 
 Till we pass the portal of shining gold. 
 
 James Clarence Harney. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for the songs heard 
 in the heart, and the fair creations seen in the mind, 
 this day. Though some of them are now too hard for 
 our willing lips and hands, make them blessed proph- 
 ecies of things to come. May we not lose heart 
 because of failure to do as well as we purpose. May 
 we rejoice in vision that ever exceeds achievement. 
 Give us either quietness or songs in the night to 
 strengthen us for wider vision and better deed to- 
 morrow. Help us to wait and work with courage 
 and patience for the day when that which is perfect 
 shall come, and that which is in part shall be done 
 away. Amen. 
 T. P. Frost.
 
 192 3*ttl£ 8 
 
 Were in a world of choosing and beating, — or 
 getting beat. Every step of the way we're letting some- 
 thing get the upper hand, to be the biggest part of us, 
 whether it's the bats and owls, or the singing birds, or 
 the little children of us, or the growing angels. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 " Every little atom in the whole world of worlds has 
 its face towards God." 
 
 What do they pull away for, then ? " 
 " God gives them a will of their own, to go a little 
 way of their own; but they cannot get beyond His will. 
 The two wills make the beautiful, glad motions, and 
 all the life and glory." 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Dear Father in Heaven, if this day mystery and 
 doubt have been about us, keep us steadfast in our 
 faith. If sadness has beset us, open to us, we pray 
 Thee, the way to Thine abiding peace. If joy has 
 been in our hearts, may we not forget that, in obedi- 
 dence to Thee is the gladness that endures. Help 
 us to face our own weakness and error, our unfaith- 
 fulness and neglect, and to remember Thine infinite 
 patience and strength. In Thy forgiving love may 
 we find inspiration and purpose and power. Help 
 us to seek diligently Thy will and way and to make 
 Thy will ours; and help us so to use day by day the 
 precious gifts and powers which Thou hast given 
 us that, through us Thy will be done and Thy king- 
 dom come on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen. 
 Warren S. Woodbridge.
 
 3ulj> 9 193 
 
 How many different kinds of friends there are! They 
 should all be held close at any cost; for, although some 
 are better than others perhaps, a friend of whatever 
 kind is important, and this one learns as he grows 
 older. 
 
 John D. Rockefeller 
 
 Travel as a friendly man wherever you go; make 
 new friends; trust men as often as possible; be glad 
 at every glow of kindly feeling that warms your heart; 
 look for good and not for evil in all kinds and conditions 
 of men. Find out their best thought. The humblest 
 may teach you something. Praise whatever is good. 
 Carry the signs of a new free masonry. You shall make 
 fast the ties which bind the world; you shall put an 
 end to war. 
 
 Charles F. Dole. 
 
 Our Father, as we fall asleep tonight in the arms 
 of Thy protecting love, we thank Thee for the sun- 
 light and joy that this day has brought us. We 
 thank Thee for new proofs of friendship; for the 
 glints of heavenly light and joy we have caught 
 from the eyes of little children; for the added 
 courage that has come to us as we have seen brave 
 and trustful men and women uncomplainingly bear- 
 ing their burdens of sorrow; and we praise Thee 
 for a clearer vision of " that far-off divine event to- 
 ward which the whole creation moves." Waking or 
 sleeping, O God, may we ever trust in Thee! Amen. 
 
 Frank C. Lockwood.
 
 194 JUl£ 10 
 
 The dear, long, quiet summer day 
 
 Draws to its close. 
 To the deep woods I steal away, 
 To hear what the sweet thrush will say, 
 
 In her repose. 
 
 Beside the brook, the meadow rue 
 
 Stands, tall and white, 
 The water softly slips along, 
 A murmur to the thrush's song, 
 
 To greet the night. 
 
 Over and over, like a bell, 
 
 Her song rings clear; 
 The trees stand still in joy and prayer, 
 
 Only the angels stir the air. 
 
 I bow my head and lift my heart, 
 
 In Thy great peace, 
 Thy Angelus, my God, I heed, 
 By the still waters wilt Thou lead, 
 
 Till day shall cease. 
 
 Alice Freeman Palmer. 
 
 Heavenly Father, Thou art bringing us onward 
 a day at a time. We bless Thee for the black night 
 when we can see nothing: it is good for us to have no 
 eyes. We bless Thee for letting down a great curtain 
 we cannot see through. Even in the quietness of 
 the night, come into our imagination and reveal 
 what our senses are unable to comprehend. In the 
 silence speak to us as Thou only canst whisper to 
 the heart. Amen. 
 
 Joseph Parker.
 
 gmg u 195 
 
 Fear not the day. The cooling shade 
 
 Shall rest your eyes and bless your feet; 
 The lark's voice crest the d alii ant breeze 
 
 That stirs within the vibrant heat. 
 The spring that trickles from the rock 
 
 Shall moist your throat and lave your hand; 
 The sun that melts away your strength 
 
 Shall emerald the waiting land. 
 
 Fear not the night. The vesper dews 
 
 Shall spread their pearls upon the plain; 
 The nightingale shall wake and sing; 
 
 The hosts of stillness be your train. 
 The stars shall be your steady torch 
 
 To light you on your forward way, 
 And dawn shall lead you to the gates 
 
 Foreknown in dreams but yesterday. 
 
 Io Shamus. 
 
 Venturesome and headstrong, O Lord, where we 
 should have been fearful and timid, and fearful 
 where we should have trusted in Thee, we pray that 
 Thou wilt compassionately receive us at the close 
 of this day. Surely Thou hast tenderly and wonder- 
 fully led us, filling our souls with radiance and giving 
 to us strength and peace. Let us think of all that 
 Thou hast shown us this day, clouds and sky, far- 
 stretching waters, fruitful fields; movement, order, 
 beauty; throngs of men and busy cities, and at the 
 evening hour beloved faces. As we consider it all, our 
 hearts rejoice in Thee. Surely, O Lord, Thou takest 
 away trembling and givest confidence. Thou wilt 
 make the darkness to be light about us. Hear us, we 
 beseech Thee, Thou who art the Light of Life. Amen. 
 
 William I. Haven.
 
 196 3fttlg 12 
 
 The little cares that fretted me 
 
 I lost them yesterday 
 Among the -fields above the sea, 
 
 Among the winds at play; 
 Among the lowing of the herds, 
 
 The rustling of the trees. 
 Among the singing of the birds, 
 
 The humming of the bees. 
 
 The foolish fears of what may happen, 
 
 I cast them all away 
 Among the clover-scented grass, 
 
 Among the new-mown hay; 
 Among the husking of the corn 
 
 Where drowsy poppies nod, 
 Where ill thoughts die and good are born, 
 
 Out in the fields with God. 
 
 Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 
 
 Our Father, as we come to Thee again tonight 
 to get in close communion with Thee after another 
 day of varied activities, we wish to thank Thee for 
 the opportunities granted, for the discipline received, 
 and for the instruction Thou hast given us. But we 
 must also ask Thy forgiveness for permitting our 
 spirits to be perturbed by the interruptions in our plans 
 and the cares which have annoyed us. Help us to trust 
 Thee fully, and to recognize Thy hand in all that be- 
 falls us. May we catch the note of continuous praise 
 and trust that goes up to Thee from the natural world 
 about us, and never permit a murmuring discord to 
 sound forth from our hearts ! May the peace of God, 
 which passeth all understanding, guard our hearts 
 and our thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen. 
 
 Robert W. Beers.
 
 3Hti|> 13 197 
 
 We must be led. We trust to be. But we shan't 
 be dragged. We've got to take every single step our- 
 selves, and choose to take it as it comes. Experience 
 is realizing in one's self what one believes. That 
 can't be done in a minute, though it is always in some 
 minute that everything is begun. . . . 
 
 What good would it do me to go to heaven, even, 
 . . . if behind me was a piece of life unlived, a piece 
 of loving that I hadn't learned or done? 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 Father, Thy plans are far-reaching and I am but 
 a single workman; let me not become discouraged 
 when I cannot see the distant issue of my works 
 and sufferings. Let it ever be my chief concern to 
 be one of Thy workmen; and, assured of this, to 
 toil on faithfully; even in darkness believing that 
 all honest endeavor and patient suffering will be 
 employed by Thee to bring to pass Thine all-wise 
 designs. When clear vision is impossible and I must 
 walk by faith, help me to do so cheerfully and hope- 
 fully. Help me to feel that I am working for a Father 
 who sees the end from the beginning; and may I 
 find my joy and my confidence in my relationship 
 to Thee, rather than in my assurance of the value 
 and ultimate issue of my labors and experiences. 
 Amen. 
 
 Jamk D. Moffat.
 
 iy3 3*ttl£ 14 
 
 "Behold, all souls are mine," saith the Lord. Not 
 only all saints, that goes without saying. The simple, 
 gentle, pure, truthful spirits that have passed over — 
 the multitude that no man can number — they are 
 obviously, manifestly His. But all souls, — the 
 soiled, the sinning, the degraded, the outcast, — they, 
 too, are His. He made them, He is responsible for 
 them, He cannot be defrauded of them, He cannot 
 lose them. Wherever they are, to whatever distance 
 banished, He holds them, trains them, influences them, 
 unfolds them, remelts them, effects their ultimate moral 
 restitution, because they are His and His name is 
 Love; and, as Jesus told us, " no man can snatch 
 aught out of His hand." 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Father, we thank Thee that all souls are Thine: 
 Thine now: — Thine evermore. Wherever the feet 
 of Thy children may tend, there are we ever Thine. 
 Help us, O Father, to feel this; to realize it in our 
 lives. Day by day the perplexities of life are with us; 
 yet, must we ever conquer in them, because we are 
 Thine and Thou art with us. At the close of day, 
 with its tasks done, its burdens borne, its respon- 
 sibilities met, we turn to the silences of the night 
 for rest and refreshment. Peaceful shall be our 
 sleep for we are with Thee, and in the morn we shall 
 rise to greet the new-born day with courage and 
 strength, for we know that Thou art ever with us. 
 Amen. 
 
 Howard Burton Bard.
 
 3nls 15 190 
 
 Now came still Evening on, and twilight gray 
 Had in her sober livery all things clad; 
 Silence accompany'd; for beast and bird, 
 They to their grassy couch, these to their nests, 
 Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale; 
 She all night her amorous descant sung; 
 Silence was pleas' d : now glowed the firmament 
 With living sapphires; Hesperus, that led 
 The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon, 
 Rising in clouded majesty, at length 
 Apparent queen unveil' d her peerless light, 
 And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw. 
 
 Milton. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the quiet of 
 the evening and the silence which steals in upon us 
 with the growing gray of the deepening twilight. 
 We remember the words of a day long gone calling 
 on us to be still and know that Thou art God, and 
 we bless Thee that as men of old found Thee in the 
 breathless stillness, so may we. Speak to us, Our 
 Father, as we are wrapt in the mantle of this night's 
 silence, and may our ears be so quick to hear and our 
 hearts so swift to respond that we shall be very con- 
 scious of Thy loving presence and filled with a serene 
 and abiding peace. Amen. 
 Eds«n Reifsnider.
 
 2oo 3JtU£ 10 
 
 O ye who drive upon the rocks of Chance 
 Or drift upon the shoals of Circumstance, 
 Or fail to reach the port of high emprise 
 Through, on Life's seas, some patient sacrifice, 
 Who, following Duty's beacon o'er the mam, 
 Love's golden galleon mark another gain, 
 Take heart ! None knows how fair the meed may hi 
 In God's green islands of eternity I 
 
 Clinton Scollard. 
 
 O God, infinite in power, perfect in wisdom, 
 unchangeable in love, in Thy hands are all our ways, 
 and the success of our purposes proceeds from Thee 
 alone. Help us, we beseech Thee, never to fail nor 
 be discouraged. May ceaseless change bring no 
 distrust of Thee with whom is no variableness neither 
 shadow of turning. In times of darkness when we 
 see Thee not; but only change, decay, darkness and 
 death, even then may our faith fail not; rather let 
 us rejoice, for the darkness and the light are both 
 alike to Thee. Comfort us with the exceeding great 
 and precious promises of Thy word. By Thy gracious 
 Spitit encourage us in the expectation of all good 
 things from Thee, the God of hope, that we may con- 
 tinue and labor with a cheerful and courageous spirit, 
 united to Thee and to all men with a perfect charity, 
 through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Richard Wright.
 
 3ul& 17 201 
 
 Happy the man taught by the truth itself; 
 
 Not by the shapes and sounds that pass across his life 
 
 But by the very truth. 
 
 Our thoughts and senses often lead us wrong; 
 
 They see one side alone. 
 
 God of truth, 
 Make me one with Thee in eternal love. 
 Oft am I weary, reading, listening, 
 But all I wish and long for is in Thee. 
 Then silent be all teachers, hushed be all creation at 
 
 the sight of Thee: 
 S peak Thou to me alone. 
 
 Thomas a Kempis. 
 
 Infinite God, our Father, guide us in the way of 
 life. The path is sometimes so rough and rugged and 
 uncertain, we stumhle and are afraid. Thou knowest 
 what is in the darkness, may we see light in Thy 
 light. Guide us by Thy Spirit each day, and at 
 night may we lie down as in Thine arms of love. 
 As we have received the light, may we walk in the 
 light, and may we have fellowship with the Father 
 and with His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Deliver 
 us from evil; and save us from all insincerity, and 
 error, and unworthy purposes. May we know the 
 truth which liberates and makes free, and in the 
 liberty of the children of God, may we walk to- 
 morrow and every day, knowing that Thou art with 
 us and for us; and that " if God be for us, who 
 can be against us ? " Amen. 
 Joshua Stansfield.
 
 202 3ttl£ 18 
 
 Where do you go with a face so bright ? 
 I seek the Bourne of the Fadeless Light. 
 
 And what if the end be distant far ? 
 
 Still, the sunset peace and the evening star. 
 
 But ever at eve the sunset dies ! 
 Yet memory lives and hope defies. 
 
 And what if the end be death at last? 
 Not death, but life, with the shadow past. 
 
 Who are you, Spirit, with heart so true? 
 I was once your dream, and I might be — you. 
 Howard Arnold Walter. 
 
 Spirit of the Infinite and All Infolding Life, into 
 the repose of this evening hour I gather all the for- 
 tunes of this day, and in each and every one of them 
 I would discover some reflection or token of the 
 eternal purpose which Thou dost cherish for me in 
 Thine infinite heart. The brightness of the morning 
 wreathing all the world with smiles and quickening 
 the elastic step, the faith and hope stealing into the 
 strokes of industry or animating the more quiet 
 tasks, the shadows of evening and that other shadow 
 which falls across the paths of all men. Through 
 these and all other experiences may I find Thee, O 
 Infinite Life, and finding Thee I shall find my greater 
 self in the Infinite Child of an Imperishable Love. 
 Herein will I rest and find inspiration for all the 
 life I live. Amen. 
 
 E. L. Rexford.
 
 3n\S 19 203 
 
 A perfect day ! I tried to bold it fast; 
 
 To make each hour my own, and sip its sweets, 
 
 As if it were a flower, and I its bee. 
 
 No one should come between me and my joy, 
 
 My will should rule my actions for one day. 
 
 Ah, yes ! it slipped away, its secret kept, 
 
 And hid from me behind the sunset clouds. 
 
 Another day: " God help me use the hours ! " 
 / said, "And let Thy will be done, not mine." 
 I watched if might be someone needed help, 
 If I might speak a word of cheer, or give 
 A hand, or even softly step where wounds 
 Were aching. Day of sweet revealing ! When 
 It passed, it left its perfume in my heart. 
 
 M. F. Butts. 
 
 Gracious Father, this day the creation of Thy 
 wisdom and the gift of Thy love has brought blessing 
 to my life and gladness to my heart. The hours have 
 revealed fresh evidences of Thy good will to me and 
 to those I love. Its opportunities for serving other 
 lives have not passed wholly unimproved, and this 
 thought brings peace of mind and refreshment of 
 spirit. Do Thou forgive in the days that are gone 
 any sins of omission in ministering to the needy, 
 and my failures in all social duties. May Thy Spirit 
 guard me through the night, and at the dawn of 
 another new day fill me with the desire to do more 
 for the comfort and happiness of others, that thus 
 I may become a truer disciple of the Master and 
 worthier of Thy loving care. Amen. 
 
 I. J. Mead.
 
 2 °4 3Jttl£ 20 
 
 In many persons, and not in poets only, a beautiful 
 sunrise, or a gorgeous sunset, or the starry heavens on 
 a cloudless night, create moral impressions, and some- 
 thing more; these sights suggest to them, if vaguely 
 yet powerfully, the presence of Him from whom came 
 both Nature and the emotions it awakens. The tender 
 lights that fleet over sea and sky are to them 
 
 " Signalings from some high land 
 Of one they feel, but dimly understand." 
 
 J. C. Shairp. 
 
 Heavenly Father, by whom all things were made, 
 help me to see in all the glory of Thy wonderful 
 world some dim foreshadowing of the splendor of 
 Thy presence, and grant that, as I lay me down to 
 rest tonight, my soul, filled with the beauty of this 
 material universe, may gain in quiet communion 
 with Thee some deeper insight into Thy love so 
 that I may be more fit to dwell with Thee. Amen. 
 
 Robert H. Gardiner.
 
 3Htl£ 21 205 
 
 Is it not meant that everyone should see 
 God's wondrous miracles in night and day, 
 Sunshine and shower, cloud, star-gemmed canopy, 
 As speeds our globe its never-ending way? 
 
 All laws of nature are His gifts divine, 
 God-given to all alike. Yet some but stare 
 And sec naught beautiful and so repine; 
 While happier souls find His touch everywhere. 
 
 Judith Spencer. 
 
 I praise and bless Thee this night, my Heavenly 
 Father, for a sense of Thy presence. The life of 
 forest, field and stream, the faces of my friends, the 
 light of sun and stars, the passing cloud, and every 
 form or motion in the outward world but manifest 
 the operation of Thy power and wisdom. How gladly 
 I resign myself to Thy gracious keeping. May all 
 my faults be covered by Thy pardoning mercy, 
 and every good be chastened and perfected by re- 
 newing grace; and when the darkness shall once 
 more have been chased from off the face of nature 
 by the growing day may I arise refreshed and strength- 
 ened for a better service and a truer joy. Amen. 
 William T. Beale.
 
 206 3Jttl2 22 
 
 A weaver standing at his loom one day, 
 Wrought with uncertain hand some strange design; 
 A tangled mesh it seemed, line blurring line, 
 Unsutted contrasts — warp and woof astray 
 Sometimes he paused, and pushed his work away, 
 
 The task is hopeless," said he, and sighed, 
 But patiently resumed; and one by one 
 The broken threads were mended. 
 
 When 'twas done 
 He turned the frame, and lo ! Upon that side 
 A radiant light his startled eyes did greet, 
 What seemed confusion had been hidden law, 
 And the designers dream at last he saw, 
 Resulting, lovely, perfect and complete ! 
 
 Lord Houghton. 
 
 Our Father in heaven, our loving Provider, and 
 Helper, we have finished another portion of our 
 day's work for Thee, and for our generation. Through 
 the warp of time which Thou hast unrolled in the 
 loom of life, we have flung the shuttle of free will, 
 carrying the thread of destiny, and weaving the 
 web of experience after the pattern of Christ Jesus. 
 The warp is Thine, the weft is ours, and we are 
 so weak, so wilful, and so wavering. O God, grant 
 that the piece of work we have done today may 
 not make us ashamed when it is outspread in the 
 white light of Thy judgment throne. We pray for 
 mercy, for Thy loving kindness endureth forever. 
 Let Thy arms be under us, Thy face over us this 
 night. Amen. 
 
 Robert McIntvrb.
 
 3Jttl» 23 207 
 
 Be glad of life with its chances to be 
 A brave and cheerful toiler of earth; 
 
 With a little play, 
 
 Mixed in by the way, 
 Make others glad for the day of your birth. 
 
 Be glad of life with its chances to know 
 
 Of the best things, the bright, the good, the true; 
 
 Then climb to the heights 
 
 Of the soul's delights, 
 And seek and find all there waiting for you. 
 
 Be glad of life with its chances to love: 
 For loving is living on mountain height 
 
 Where the air is clear — 
 
 Heaven s atmosphere, — 
 And breathing and being a pure delight. 
 
 Ophelia G. Burroughs. 
 
 O God, Thou art the Source of the solemn mystery 
 of existence. By Thy fatherly love have I enjoyed 
 another day with its manifold possibilities of trial 
 and triumph, gladness and gloom. I thank Thee 
 for this day's token of Thy continued care. I thank 
 Thee for health and strength, for happiness gained 
 and given. And as I am about to yield to the serene 
 rest of another night, I commit my spirit praying 
 that Thou wilt guard and restore my soul. If the 
 sweet rest of this night enables and leads me so to 
 live, may mine be the enjoyment of the conscious- 
 ness of Thy special protection 1 Amen. 
 
 Alexander Lyons.
 
 208 3Jttl£ 24 
 
 Let us never say " I have no money," " I have no 
 time," " I have no friends," " I have no power," 
 " I have no opportunities." We should live in the 
 thought of opulence in all these things. 
 
 Charles B. Newcomb. 
 
 Yes, indeed I'm rich," said Hiram. " Look at 
 the sky up there ! Ain't that mine ? Don't I have the 
 use of it while I live ? No, I don't exactly own it, 
 but then my Father owns it, and what my Father owns 
 I have a right to enjoy." 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 Almighty God, from whom cometh every good 
 and perfect gift: we come into Thy presence this 
 evening, sure in the knowledge that the heirs of God 
 receive from the Father's boundless store more than 
 either they desire or deserve. Accept our humble 
 thanks for all the wealth with which Thou hast 
 endowed us, — for sunlight and earth and sky, for 
 the glad beauty of the day and the silent peace of 
 the night; for the riches of Thy love and the grace 
 of Thy Holy Spirit. Help us to remember that, as 
 we go to our rest Thy bounty ceaseth not; but in 
 sleep Thou givest to Thy beloved. And may we, 
 as faithful stewards, use all the riches Thou hast 
 given us to Thy glory and the good of our fellowmen. 
 Amen. 
 
 John M. Foster.
 
 3?ttlJ> 25 209 
 
 Was it long ago, or was it but yesterday, that we 
 prayed for strength to perform a certain duty, to bear 
 a certain burden, to overcome a certain temptation, and 
 received its' Do we dream that the Divine force was 
 exhausted in answering that one prayers' No more 
 than the great river is exhausted by turning the wheels 
 of one mill. Put it to the proof again with today's 
 duty, today's burden, today's temptation. Thrust 
 yourself further and deeper into the stream of God's 
 power, and feel it again, as you have felt it before, able 
 to do exceeding abundantly. Remember and trust. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 O God, the lamp of our experience maketh bright 
 this eventide. Memory is counting up her treasures. 
 Blessed pictures of the past are in review. We see, 
 again, the day when first, in full consciousness and 
 torment of guilt, we knelt alone in prayer to Thee, 
 and arose from that tryst in assurance of forgiveness, 
 and experience of peace. Here, too, is the day when 
 at the parting of the ways we stood, and knew not 
 how to choose our life work, but Thou didst direct 
 cur steps and we found the path of helpfulness. 
 Another day we were bereaved, burdened, and amid 
 the shadows readv to die. Tt was Thy hand, O 
 our Father, that upheld us, and Thy grace which has 
 renewed our minds to this present hour. Surely we 
 are as those to whom Thou givest songs in the night. 
 And tomorrow, O God, tomorrow and every day 
 of life, may we add to our experience such fulness of 
 trust, that Thy word may go before us, a light to 
 our feet and a lamp to our path, even forevermore. 
 Amen. 
 
 William H. McGlauflin.
 
 2io 3fttl£ 26 
 
 Forget thyself and all thy woes, 
 Put out each feverish light ; 
 
 The stars are watching overhead; 
 
 Sleep sweet. Good night ! Good night ! 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Leave God to order all thy ways, 
 And trust in Him whate'er betide; 
 
 Thou It find Him in the evil days 
 An all-sufficient strength and guide. 
 
 Only your restless heart keep still, 
 And wait in cheerful hope, content 
 
 To take whate'er his gracious will, 
 His all-discerning love, has sent. 
 
 Who trusts in God's unchanging love 
 Builds on a rock that cannot move. 
 
 Georg Neumark 
 
 Our Father, in the evening hour, inviting to medita- 
 tion and prayer, we pray that we may be conscious 
 of Thee. Thou givest unto us the blessing of work 
 and it is to Thee that we raise our hearts in thanks- 
 giving for the benediction of rest. May our sleep 
 be sweet and our rest refreshing, because we have 
 tried to do well the duties of the day. And when the 
 morrow comes may it be our portion to find joy in 
 the work of the new day, and the peace that comes 
 as a reward of faithfulness. Amen. 
 
 Thomas Edward Potterton.
 
 3Wg 27 211 
 
 Where there is Faith, there is Love; 
 Where there is Love, there is Peace; 
 Where there is Peace, there is God. 
 Where there is God, there is no need. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 / longed for love, and eager to discover 
 
 Its hiding place, I wandered far and wide; 
 
 And as forlorn I sought the lone world over, 
 Unrecognized, love journeyed at my side. 
 
 I craved for peace, and priceless years expended 
 In unrewarded search from shore to shore; 
 
 But home returned, the weary seeking ended, 
 
 Peace welcomed me where dwelt my peace of yore ! 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 To Thee, my Heavenly Father, I come at this 
 evening hour with no note of complaint to sound, 
 and with no disposition to doubt Thy love. Forgive 
 me for failing to perceive Thy presence in the hour 
 of darkness and sorrow as truly as in the hour of 
 light and joy. Thou hast not hidden from me: 
 Thou art nearer than hands or feet. Thou art 
 in my home and in my business. Thou art in 
 the commonplace. In the love of parent and child, 
 and husband and wife, and brother and sister, and 
 friend and neighbor; Thou art here. To Thee I 
 come in faith and love. I am humble before Thee. 
 I am amazed at Thy longsuffering and patience 
 with me. I shall wander no more. In Christ, Thou 
 art by my side. My soul radiates with Thy light; 
 overflows with Thy joy; dwells in Thy love, and rests 
 in Thy peace. I am in Thee. Amen. 
 
 Charles H. Rust.
 
 2i2 3?Ul£ 28 
 
 Into the silent starless Night before- us, 
 
 Naked we glide: 
 No hand has mapped the constellations o'er us, 
 
 No comrade at our side, 
 
 No chart, no guide. 
 
 Yet fearless toward that midnight, black and hollow, 
 
 Our footsteps fare: 
 The beckoning of a Father's hand we follow — 
 
 His love alone is there, 
 
 No curse, no care. 
 
 Edward Rowland Sill. 
 
 Our Father, whose gracious Spirit broods over us 
 at all times, we come to Thee at the close of this day 
 grateful for its blessings. We thank Thee that the 
 light of Thy love shines through the darkness of the 
 night, and that in our unconscious moments we are 
 in Thy care. Fearlessly we lay aside the duties of 
 the day, for we know that Thou dost give peace and 
 rest. We pray for such faith in Thee that our slumbers 
 may be untroubled by any worldly anxiety, so that 
 the new day may find us refreshed and strengthened, 
 awake to Thy call, and ready for service in the Spirit 
 of the Master. Amen. 
 
 Samuel Gilbert Ayres.
 
 3Htl£ 29 213 
 
 /, too, have been a dreamer, — / have knelt 
 To truth and beauty in Orcadian meads, 
 
 The rapture of the poet I have felt 
 
 And all his keen desire for noble deeds. 
 
 And, though my money-minded neighbor deems 
 Of little worth the things that I have done, 
 
 Far dearer to the dreamer are his dreams 
 
 Than all the wealth by worldly wisdom won. 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 Our Father who art everywhere, for a moment we 
 would pause before the rest and sleep of the night 
 to think over what this day, now closing, has brought 
 us from Thee. We have labored at the tasks that 
 we found to do. Accept our offering of labor, and 
 bless it. Bless Thou also our offering of this day's 
 efforts, though we may not have toiled with our 
 hands. Bless, O God, the noble thoughts enter- 
 tained by us this day. We bring before Thee this 
 evening empty hands, perhaps, but full hearts and 
 lives made richer and truer because of what we have 
 longed for, and what we have felt and seen in the 
 deeper experiences of the soul. We know no day 
 is a lost one when our endeavor is made as for Thee. 
 Now, as we go to our nightly repose, may Thy peace 
 fill all our hearts. Amen. 
 
 Theodore A. Fisher.
 
 2i4 3htlj> 30 
 
 The little sharp vexations, 
 And the briars, that catch and fret, 
 Why not take them to the Helper, 
 Who has never jailed us yet? 
 
 Tell Him about the heart-ache, 
 And tell Him the longings too, 
 And tell Htm the baffled purpose, 
 When we scarce knew what to do. 
 
 Then leaving all our weakness, 
 With the One, divinely strong, 
 Forget that we bore the burden, 
 And carry away the song. 
 
 Phillips Brooks. 
 
 Father, I thank Thee that Thou art our refuge. 
 When I remember the greatness of Thy love, and 
 all Thy mercies, then fears and disappointments 
 and troubles fall away, and my heart is filled with 
 comfort and peace. I remember with shame my 
 shortcomings, but Thou art waiting to forgive them. 
 Help me to live tomorrow better than today, 
 to bear my trials more sweetly, to fulfil my duties 
 more nobly, to win larger victories. Thou who canst 
 make the storm a calm, let there be calm within my 
 soul, — the calm of perfect trust in Thee. Grant 
 sweet visions of faith through the darkness and the 
 night, while I commend myself and all that I have 
 and all that I hold dear to Thy care and keeping. 
 Amen. 
 
 Abram Con klin.
 
 3htlfi 31 215 
 
 What will you say to the man who has jailed it: 
 business, or who has faded in his moral life F You 
 must not mock him with even well-meant reproaches. 
 Answer him as Napoleon is said to have answered 
 one of his marshals. The marshal rode up and said, 
 General, I fear that the battle is lost." Napoleon 
 coolly looked at his watch and replied: " Time for 
 another battle. Summon the army to a fresh charge." 
 I do rot know what you will say to the man who has 
 failed, but I know what I will say. I will say, " Never 
 mind, dear friend; in God's economy, no failure is 
 ever final. You and God must win at last." 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Heavenly Father, again and again in deep humilia- 
 tion we have seen our hopes fail and cur plans fall 
 asunder. Again and again the nigl.t has ccme on 
 and found us in some valley of despair. Yet with all 
 the memory of our defeats and the consciousness of 
 our humiliation, we come to Thee again with hope. 
 Help us to see that the battle of life is never lost to 
 him who has the courage to face the foe. Let us go 
 forth once more with full faith that in Thy providence 
 no failure is ever final. So at last shall cur souls 
 triumph and our lives be crowned. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 2i6 ®UQUUt I 
 
 The peasant stands beside his field, 
 His brow contracted from displeasure; 
 
 ' I have," he argues, " tilled the land, 
 Have taken care pure seed to measure; 
 And now, see here, weeds everywhere — 
 The devil must have put them there ! " 
 
 Up bounds the boy in high delight, 
 Gay-colored flowers his arms up-piling, 
 
 Cornflowers and poppies, cockles too, 
 All from the field; and he shouts, smiling, 
 
 1 See, father, see, how rich, how rare ! 
 
 The dear God must have put them there ! ' 
 
 Lizzie Deas. 
 
 O God, our Father, we are glad that this is Thy 
 world and that all its affairs are in Thy hands. Thou 
 art able to make things that seem evil work good in 
 some way. Thou canst so order the events which to 
 one are troubles and annoyances that they shall give 
 pleasure and happiness to others. Help us always to 
 find the good in our circumstances. Give us a wider 
 view of life so that we may not see things only from 
 our own viewpoint, but see them with others' eyes 
 as well. May we be glad that others are made happy 
 even if we have inconvenience and discomfort. Give 
 us the love for all men that shall make us willing to 
 suffer loss ourselves that others may be benefited. 
 Amen. 
 
 J. R. Miller.
 
 &U0tt0t 2 217 
 
 Keep a song in your heart; it will lighten 
 
 The duty you hold in your hand; 
 Its music will graciously brighten 
 
 The work your high purpose has planned. 
 Tour notes to the lives that are saddened 
 
 May make them to hopefully yearn, 
 And earth shall be wondrously gladdened 
 
 By songs they shall sing in return. 
 
 Keep a task in your hands; you must labor, 
 
 By toil is true happiness won; 
 For foe and for friend and for neighbor, 
 
 Rejoice, there is much to be done. 
 Endeavor, by crowning life's duty, 
 
 With joy-giving song and with smile, 
 To make the world fuller of beauty 
 
 Because you were in it a while. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Ever blessed Father, let us abide this night beneath 
 the shadow of Thy conscious presence. Strengthen 
 us in our weakness, shed light into our darkness, 
 guide us in our perplexities, increase our love for 
 Thee, and for all that Thou dost love. Let us lie 
 down with such perfect trust and peace, that we may 
 rise, refreshed, with a song in our hearts, to the tasks 
 of the new day. So may Thy kingdom come and Thy 
 will be done in us. Amen. 
 
 J. M. Thoburn.
 
 218 ®UQU8t 3 
 
 Upon the sadness of the sea 
 The sunset broods regretfully; 
 From the far lonely spaces, slow 
 Withdraws the wistful afterglow. 
 
 So out of life the splendor dies; 
 So darken all the happy skies; 
 So gathers twilight, cold and stern; 
 But overhead the planets burn; 
 
 And up the east another day 
 Shall chase the bitter dark away; 
 What though our eyes with tears be wet ? 
 The sunrise never failed us yet. 
 
 The blush of dawn may yet restore 
 Our light and hope and joy once more. 
 Sad soul, take comfort, nor forget 
 That sunrise never failed us yet. 
 
 Celia Thaxter. 
 
 Heavenly Father, help us in this hour of sadness 
 to rise above the clouds that we may behold Thee 
 on Thy throne, so cognizant of the minutest acts of 
 our lives and so tender in Thy care for us that we may 
 yield ourselves up to the slumber of the night with a 
 consciousness that we are nestling in Tby bosom and 
 that, as the God of all comfort, Thou wilt make our 
 tomorrow a day of sunshine and gladness. May 
 not our sadness estrange us from Thee, but may it 
 prompt an exercise of greater care and stimulate 
 greater activity that the thought of our mind and the 
 desire of our heart may be toward Thee. Cause Thy 
 face to shine upon us and bless us. Amen. 
 
 T. N. Boyle.
 
 SUtflttSt 4 219 
 
 / have stood upon Mount Holyoke when I heard 
 the thunder below; and I have seen men traveling up 
 the side, and making haste to get out of the storm. I, 
 standing higher than they, escaped both the rain, the 
 wind, and the roaring thunder; and they, going up 
 through the storm, got on the top, and were also free 
 from it. Many, many storms there are that lie low, 
 and hug the ground; and the way to escape them is 
 to go up the mountain side, and get higher than they 
 are. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Our Father, grant unto us the spirit of aspiration 
 and trust. May we seek escape from the perplexities 
 and annoyance of life in the upper altitudes of faith. 
 If love meets with disappointment, may we love more. 
 If hope is baffled in its desires, may we look for larger 
 things. If our poor labors for righteousness or reform 
 seem to be lost in a storm of prejudice, may we re- 
 member that the truth still shines above the clouds. 
 May we never lose our confidence in Thee. May 
 belief grow brighter as life lengthens. May our path 
 be one that "shineth more and more unto the perfect 
 day." Amen. 
 
 George H. Ferris.
 
 2 20 
 
 MUQU8t 5 
 
 'Tis late at night, and in the realm of sleep 
 My little lambs are folded like the flocks; 
 From room to room I hear the wakeful clocks 
 Challenge the passing hour, like guards that keep 
 
 Their solitary watch on tower and steep; 
 Far off I hear the crowing of the cocks, 
 And through the opening door that time unlocks 
 Feel the fresh breathing of Tomorrow creep. 
 
 Tomorrow ! the mysterious, unknown guest, 
 Who cries to me: Remember Barmecide, 
 And tremble to be happy with the rest." 
 
 And I make answer: " / am satisfied; 
 I dare not ask; I know not what is best; 
 God hath already said what shall betide." 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 Our Father, we have a little faith but we desire 
 that which will remove the mountain difficulties. 
 We have a little love but we desire the passion for 
 service. We have a little zeal but so often without 
 knowledge. We have some patience; grant us that 
 measure of patience which will enable us to endure 
 to the end. Open our blind eyes to see values as 
 the Master saw them, the place of the material, the 
 worth of a child and the riches of human ministry and 
 fellowship. Bless, we beseech Thee, all toilers of 
 the night, the unrequited, those who work without 
 joy or love-compensations, and speed the dawn of the 
 tomorrow when in all the world none shall hurt or 
 destroy or hate. Our hearts are filled with un- 
 quenchable hope, for we have always with us Thy 
 Pledge of Love in whose name we pray. Amen. 
 
 Charles Luther Kloss.
 
 &u0tt0t a 221 
 
 / remember reading an incident once about a little 
 girl whose father was a minister. She had cut her 
 finger, and rushed into the study, where perhaps her 
 father was writing his sermon, and he said, " Run 
 away, run away: I can't be bothered or troubled now." 
 And she goes away; and by and by, possibly with a 
 touch of penitence in his mind, he says to her, when 
 he meets her again: " You know I was very busy, and 
 I couldn't do anything. You had hurt your finger. 
 I couldn't change that fact any: I couldn't do anything." 
 And she said, " Yes, papa, you could have done some- 
 thing: You could have said ' Oh I " Simply saying, 
 
 Oh ! " sometimes has a mighty power to lift a burden 
 that is crushing the heart. 
 
 Minot J. Savage. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, as the shadows of evening 
 draw near, may we feel that Thy arms of love are 
 ever encircling us. We thank Thee for what the day 
 has brought forth, whether of joy or sorrow; and, in 
 the silent watches of the night we know that Thy 
 goodness is never withheld. In small things as well 
 as in great is the consciousness of Thy constant 
 sympathy always ours. We are Thy children. All 
 our manifold needs are clear as light to Thee. Some- 
 times the desires we express may seem of little worth 
 to the uncomprehending heart; but to Thy infinite 
 compassion they appeal, and call for instant reply. 
 So watch over us, we pray Thee, that our trust in 
 the divine leading may deepen as the shadows deepen, 
 and give us strength for the daily task. Amen. 
 
 Edmund Q. S. Osgood.
 
 222 UttgttSt 7 
 
 Only a •whispering gale 
 Flutters the wings of a boat; 
 Only a bird in the vale 
 Lends to the silence a note 
 Mellow, subdued, and remote: 
 This is the twilight of peace, 
 This is the hour of release, 
 Free of all worry and fret, 
 Clean of all care and regret, 
 When like a bird in its nest 
 Fancy lies folded to rest. 
 
 This is the margin of sleep; 
 Here let the anchor be cast; 
 Here in forgetfulness deep, 
 Now that the journey is past, 
 Lower the sails from the mast. 
 Here is the bay of content, 
 Heaven and earth interblent; 
 Here is the haven that lies 
 Close to the gates of surprise; 
 Here all like Paradise seems — 
 Here is the harbor of dreams. 
 
 Frank Dempster Sherman. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Thy goodness 
 to us in the day that is now drawing to its close. 
 We thank Thee for its inspirations and for its 
 discipline, for all of its joys and accomplishments. 
 And now that the shadows gather, we praise Thee 
 for the promise of the night. Forgive us our sins, and 
 may our lying down bring us rest and peace, and when 
 the morning comes, may we be ready for the new duties 
 that shall meet us. Amen. 
 
 Clarence E. Rice.
 
 £U0tt0t 8 223 
 
 The man is blessed who every day is permitted to 
 behold anything so pure and serene as the western sky 
 at sunset while revolutions vex the world. 
 
 Henry D. Thoreau. 
 
 When the sun is in the west, 
 And with backward smiling goes, 
 Then the past is flushed with rose. 
 Clouds that have been stormy-heaped 
 Rest in tranquil purples steeped; 
 Where with white-hot stress and strain 
 Peace spreads azure calms again. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 O Thou, Giver of the day and its beauty and joy, 
 its friendly work, its wholesome cares and cheerful 
 fellowships, we come now at nightfall for rest and the 
 refreshment of sleep. We lift up our hearts to Thy 
 sky and the stars. We trust ourselves and all dear 
 friends to Thy continual love and watchfulness. 
 The darkness and the light are both alike to Thee; 
 they are alike good for Thy children. May we lie 
 down to rest with happy thoughts, free of doubt or 
 fear, and rise again with another new day, glad to do 
 Thy bidding and to live the honest, faithful and gen- 
 erous life of the children of God. Amen. 
 
 Charles F. Dole.
 
 224 MXtQU&t 9 
 
 All the night long the gray embracing mist 
 Has held in tender arms the tired world; 
 The sleepy river its soft lips have kissed, 
 And over hills and meadows it has curled. 
 
 Its white cool finger it has gently placed 
 On weary stretches of the desert sand; 
 The noisy city, and the far-off waste, 
 Have felt the benediction of its hand. 
 
 The drowsy world rolls slowly toward the day: 
 The fresh sweet wind of morning softly blows; 
 The willing mist no longer now may stay; 
 With first expectancy of dawn, it goes. 
 
 Margaret Deland. 
 
 O God, the day is Thine, the night also is Thine. 
 Thou makest the outgoings of both the morning and 
 the evening to rejoice. Thy goodness is as benignant 
 and sure in the night season as in the flooding light 
 of noon. Thou art not bound by times and seasons, 
 but as Thy providence preparest the light and the 
 sun, so Thou rulest in the night as well. We thank 
 Thee for the light and blessings of the day now gone, 
 and would equally mellow our evening moments with 
 thanksgiving. As night and day are both alike to 
 Thee, may our faith make them both alike to us in their 
 testimony to the Heavenly Father's unceasing care. 
 Thus what time it is dark and we are afraid we will 
 still trust in Thee. Hear our prayer through Christ 
 the light of life. Amen. 
 
 Charles T. Berry.
 
 &tt0U0t 10 225 
 
 Blessed be the Lord that maketh my meat at nightfall 
 
 savoury: 
 And filleth my evening cup u'tth the wine of good cheer. 
 
 Blessed be the Lord that maketh me happy to be quiet: 
 Even as a child that cometh softly to his mother's lap. 
 
 God, Thou faintest not, neither is Thy strength worn 
 
 away with labour: 
 But it is good for us to be weary that we may obtain Thy 
 
 gift of rest. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 The day is Thine, O Lord; the night also is Thine. 
 In the morning we wait on Thee to renew our strength : 
 in the evening, to find the shelter of Thy wing. Thou 
 art our Sun; and apart from Thee our toil is blind 
 and weary, and there is no glory in our joy. Thou 
 art our Shade; and only when Thou closest round us, 
 can our spirits find their rest. Blessed and abiding 
 God! let us not seek Thee far, for Thou art here; 
 but only lay our hearts low before Thee, and Thou wilt 
 enter in. Quiet our fears, sweeten our affections, and 
 lift us above the fretfulness of the world into Thy 
 divine repose. Amen. 
 
 Tames Martineau.
 
 226 &U0USt 11 
 
 The mind wants steadying and setting right many 
 times a day. It resembles a compass placed on a rickety 
 table; the least stir of the table makes the needle swing 
 around and point untrue. Let it settle then till it points 
 aright. Be perfectly silent for a few moments; . . . 
 there is an almost divine force in silence. Drop the 
 thing that worries, that excites, that interests, that 
 thwarts you; let it fall like a sediment to the bottom, 
 until the soul is no longer turbid; and say, secretly, 
 
 Grant, I beseech Thee, merciful Lord, to Thy faithful 
 servant pardon and peace; that I may be cleansed from 
 all my sins and serve Thee with a quiet mind." 
 
 Bishop Huntington. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father in Heaven, for the 
 patience and loving kindness that have followed us all 
 through the day. We have been distraught by its 
 duties, and cares, and perplexities, and even now 
 we find it hard to free ourselves from the burden of 
 these. Wilt Thou not come to our help ? Breathe 
 upon our spirit Thy holy benediction: grant unto us 
 forgiveness for our thoughtlessness and wayward- 
 ness, and our forgetfulness and distrust of Thee. 
 And as the curtain of night closes about us, may 
 we have such a sense of Thy nearness, and love, and 
 Fatherly protection that in peace we shall be able 
 to possess our souls. Amen. 
 
 James Alexander.
 
 ^ttflttat 12 227 
 
 When evening steeps the world in rest, r 
 A sigh steals from the seas deep breast 
 Like echo of an ocean's roar. 
 What means this sound from far-off shore, 
 Brought home by the incoming tide? 
 
 Can it be grief for words unsaid ? 
 
 Is it the pain of tears unshed? 
 
 The longed-for truth we never knew ? 
 
 The ghost of dreams that proved untrue ? 
 
 The murmur borne across the sea 
 Is faith that lives eternally, 
 The hope of things that are to be, — 
 'Tis Love, unbounded, wide, and free, 
 Brought home by the incoming tide. 
 
 Marie Russell. 
 
 Thou, O Lord, hast added another day to our life. 
 Its opportunities for service have come and gone. 
 We have reason to fear that we have not made the 
 most of them. We were not alert enough, or we 
 thought we were too busy, or they seemed too small. 
 We cannot recall these opportunities, but we can sup- 
 plicate Thy pardon for our failures, and we can re- 
 solve, in Thy strength, to do better. Teach us to 
 believe in the life of service, after the pattern of Him 
 who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, 
 and to give His life a ransom for many. Amen. 
 
 Reuben Kidner.
 
 228 3U0U$t 13 
 
 Like the beacon-lights in harbors, which, kindling 
 a great blaze by means of a few fagots, afford sufficient 
 aid to vessels that wander over the sea, so, also, a man 
 of bright character in a storm-tossed city, himself con- 
 tent with little, effects great blessings for his fellow- 
 citizens. 
 
 Epictetus. 
 
 A gay, serene spirit is the source of all that is noble 
 and good. Whatever is accomplished of the greatest 
 and noblest sort flows from such a disposition. Petty, 
 gloomy souls, that only mourn the past and dread the 
 future, are not capable of seizing upon the holiest 
 moments of life. 
 
 Schiller. 
 
 O Heavenly Father, how often has it seemed to us 
 that we have been like fagots thrown together by 
 chance to burn our lives out at the mere sport of 
 circumstance! And how hard it is, sometimes, for 
 us to keep our feeble flame from going out or our light 
 from becoming merely a dull glow of selfish exist- 
 ence! At the close of another day of striving, we 
 bow before Thee, confessing our weakness. In the 
 consciousness of Thy presence and of Thy patient 
 love, we are ashamed to have so magnified our 
 failures and shortcomings, as though we could 
 judge whether this day we have failed or succeeded 
 in doing Thy will. Forgive us this greater sin of 
 distrusting our own power, and, after refreshing 
 sleep, awaken us to share with Thee the glory and 
 the joy of patient, loving service in another day. 
 Amen. 
 
 Willis A. Moore.
 
 &U0tt0t 14 229 
 
 Life is too short to waste 
 
 In critic peep or cynic bark, 
 Quarrel or reprimand, — 
 
 'Twill soon be dark: 
 Up f mind thine own aim, and 
 
 God speed the mark ! 
 
 Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
 
 If you would lift me up, you must be on higher 
 ground. If you would liberate me, you must be free. 
 If you would correct my false view of facts, hold up to 
 me the same facts in the true order of thought. 
 
 Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
 
 O Lord, give us grit and grace enough to climb. 
 Save us from the monotony and drudgery of the dead- 
 level. May today's visions and tasks overtop those of 
 yesterday; and when we have scaled the heights may 
 there ever be a backward glance and helping hand for 
 those who follow on, and may many a heart song float 
 out upon the breeze to cheer the fainting ones. Grant 
 that our prayers may be more than speech; may they 
 have feet shod for the rough path and the steep 
 climb, and hands whose finger tips are as soft as a 
 mother's check, and shoulders broad enough to carry 
 many a load. Help us through busy hours to ever 
 look up and laugh and lift. When at last the lengthen- 
 ing shadows tell us of the sunset, give we pray Thee, the 
 rest and sleep which only the beloved know. Amen. 
 
 Frederick T. Keeney.
 
 230 StU0USt 15 
 
 Courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience 
 for the small ones; and then when you have accom- 
 plished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is 
 awake. 
 
 Victor Hugo. 
 
 The day is done, and the darkness 
 Falls from the wings of Night, 
 
 As a feather is wafted downward 
 From an eagle in his flight. 
 
 And the night shall be filed with music 
 And the cares that infest the day, 
 
 Shall fold their tents like the Arabs 
 And as silently steal away. 
 
 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
 
 O God, our Father, grant us Thy peace at the 
 eventide. Still the day's pulse within us and lead us 
 into the night's stillness and rest. While light is 
 withdrawn from the outward eye let light eternal 
 be given to the inner vision. So beholding the glory 
 may we be lost in Thy rest and all renewed within. 
 Amen. 
 
 Rockwell Harmon Potter.
 
 August 16 231 
 
 Let nothing make thee sad or fretful ', 
 Or too regretful; 
 
 Be still. 
 What God has ordered must be right; 
 Then find it in thine own delight, 
 
 My will. 
 
 Why shouldst thou fill today with sorrow 
 About tomorrow, 
 
 My heart ? 
 One watches all with care most true; 
 Doubt not that He will give thee too 
 
 Thy part. 
 
 Only be steadfast; never waver, 
 Nor seek earth's favor, 
 But rest. 
 Thou knowest what God wills must be 
 For all His creatures, so for thee, 
 The best. 
 
 Paul Fleming. 
 
 Our Father in Heaven, with gladness we began the 
 day with Thee not knowing what it would bring us. 
 Tonight we thank Thee because our steps have been 
 ordered by Thy will. Thy care has been our constant 
 comfort and Thy faithfulness our precious guide. 
 Give unto us now that peace which Jesus called " My 
 peace," and that joy which He called " My Joy." 
 We pray for divine peace and the fulness of joy. 
 Hear our evening supplication, that we may delight 
 in Thy will, be the subjects of Thy loving care, and 
 learn that He who made all creation very good will 
 give His children all that is best for them. Amen. 
 
 Charles H. Daniels.
 
 232 ®UQ\Wt 17 
 
 / hear it singing, singing sweetly, 
 
 Softly in an undertone, 
 Singing as if God bad taught it, 
 
 " // is better farther on ! " 
 
 Night and day it brings the message, 
 
 Sings it while I sit alone; 
 Sings so that the heart may hear it, 
 
 "It is better farther on ! " 
 
 Sits upon the grave and sings it, 
 
 Sings it when the heart would groan, 
 
 Sings it when the shadows darken, 
 " It is better farther on ! " 
 
 Farther on ? Oh ! how much farther ? 
 
 Count the milestones one by one. 
 No! no counting — only trusting 
 
 " It is better farther on ! " 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the peren- 
 nial allurements of hope. When it is night we wait 
 for the day, when it is winter we wait for the spring, 
 when we have failed we try again, when misfortunes 
 assail us we refuse to accept them as final; we rest 
 in no achievement and are dismayed by no disaster, 
 but ever and ever we say " It is better farther on." 
 Oh, keep alive this alluring dream, let us triumph 
 through our faith. So may each day be a better day, 
 each year a better year, and while the days and years 
 recede, may life grow rich and fruitful. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 &UflU8t 18 233 
 
 Comes there to you a pause in all the day, 
 When angels borrow burdens in their play ? 
 Know you the sweet forgetfulness and rest 
 Of yielding sorrows at His dear behest f 
 If not, O storm-tossed soul, come home tonight 
 Into God's harboring heart of peace and light! 
 So shalt thou find, when troubled and distressed, 
 Between the reverent hours an holy rest. 
 
 Paul Pastnor. 
 
 Father of all comfort, look Thou upon me in my 
 restlessness, and calm the turbulence of my heart. 
 The day's experiences have turned my thoughts away 
 from Thee and disturbed the serenity of my mind. 
 Now, as the evening draws near I come to Thee for 
 rest and quietness of spirit. Mourning the weak- 
 ness of my sin stricken nature, that I should have so 
 easily forgotten Thee, I draw near Thy mercy seat 
 in humble contrition, craving Thy pardon and Thy 
 grace. Take Thou away the dimness of my vision 
 that I may more clearly recognize Thy presence, 
 quiet Thou the throbbing of my troubled mind that 
 I may find peace. I bring to Thee no plea but my 
 need, I present no argument for Thy favor but my 
 unrest, I prefer no claim but Thy love. Now, as 
 the shadows lengthen and the clouds fold themselves 
 about the twilight, I bow before Thee and wait for a 
 benediction of peace. Amen. 
 
 Dwight E. Marvin.
 
 234 ^ttfiUSt 19 
 
 Smile, though the very heart of thee 
 
 Be wounded to the quick; . 
 The candle bright alone sheds light, 
 
 But ne'er the blackened wick. 
 
 Smile, though just beneath thy smile 
 Despair's brood croucheth fierce; — 
 
 Oft sunlight through the darkest clouds 
 A shining way can pierce. 
 
 Smile, though every fibre, nerve, 
 
 Be quivering with pain; — 
 The rainbow's hues are brightest 
 
 Where falls the heaviest rain. 
 
 Mary G. Gross. 
 
 O God, all-complete and eternal, if this day mine 
 syes have beheld Thee as love and kindliness and 
 joy, let not my thankful heart forget Thy rectitude, 
 Thy faultless justice. And if this day mine eyes have 
 beheld Thee as austere and relentless might, whelming 
 my life in unmerited tempests, and making me the 
 helpless victim of forces I have not set in motion, 
 come to my aid with the reminder that my knowledge 
 of Thee is but partial; calm my terror with Thy gift 
 of faith, to whisper unto me of Thine unseen ten- 
 derness and pride. Let not sleep surprise me with 
 reproaches in my heart, but let faith restore unto me 
 its perfect confidence and peace and cheer, before I 
 close my eyes for rest. Amen. 
 
 Charles E. Park.
 
 &U0USt 20 235 
 
 Are you not surprised to find bow independent of 
 money peace of conscience is, and how much happiness 
 can be condensed in the humblest home ? A cottage 
 will not hold the bulky furniture and sumptuous accom- 
 modations of a mansion, but if God be there a cottage 
 will hold as much happiness as will stock a palace. 
 
 James Hamilton. 
 
 / Happiness is a very shy goddess to the lover who is 
 as blunt as Miles Standish and seeks her before she has 
 been fairly wooed. Indeed, she is not quickly won by 
 the man who is all the time seeking her; she flies away 
 and hides. But when he goes about his business and 
 shows by his faithfulness that he deserves to be happy, 
 she comes on silent wings, steals into his heart, weaves 
 her magic charm about him, and without knowing why, 
 he smiles and is glad. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 We thank Thee, O God, for the privilege of having 
 lived this day in Thy beautiful world. We have found 
 the hours precious not alone because Thou hast 
 given us our heart's desires, or ministered to our 
 happiness. But if at any time in the day Thou hast 
 given us some high task that for a little v, hile has taken 
 us out of ourselves, or hast permitted us to forget 
 our own happiness in service for Thee or Thy chil- 
 dren, it is for this that we thank Thee, now that 
 the day is ended. When morning breaks upen our 
 sight may it come with the glad anticipation of some 
 work to do, into which we may put our whole heart 
 and soul. Amen. 
 
 Loren B. Macdonald.
 
 236 &UgUSt 21 
 
 "I will seek joy and only py 
 Without alloy." 
 Amidst the tangled maze of doubt and sin 
 
 A sorrow seems to fit with dusky wing; 
 Impending gloom seems slowly creeping in; 
 
 But light breaks through the clouds as still I sing, 
 "I will seek joy and only joy 
 Without alloy." 
 
 "I will feel love and love alone 
 And self dethrone." 
 A sordid spirit all about me reigns — 
 
 The greed for gain in all around I see, 
 And selfish law our selfishness sustains; 
 Amidst it all my song shall ever be, 
 "I will feel love and love alone, 
 And self dethrone." 
 
 Frederic A. Bisbee. 
 
 O Jehovah, Thou art our joy. From morning until 
 evening Thou hast been our song. Amid evening 
 shadows Thou shalt be our trust. Even in our 
 dreams we'd be " Nearer, my God, to Thee." Thy 
 joy fills heaven with song; let it fill our hearts in the 
 night watches. " In Thy presence is fullness of joy; " 
 fill us with a sense of Thy presence. Let us lie down 
 to rest in Thine arms of mercy and power, and awake 
 to Thy smiles of love. If crosses should come on the 
 morrow, help us to bear them in the spirit of Thy Son, 
 who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him 
 redeemed the cross. Thou art love. Help us to love 
 Thee supremely, and from the fountains of Thy pure 
 love to drink joy unalloyed. Amen. 
 
 Samuel L. Beiler.
 
 SlttgUSt 22 237 
 
 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 
 and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom 
 is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 
 
 James i. 17. 
 
 It fortifies my soul to know 
 That, though I perish, truth is so 
 That, howsoe'er I stray and range, 
 Whatever I do, Thou dost not change. 
 I steadier step when I recall 
 That, if I slip, Thou dost not fall. 
 
 Arthur Hugh Clough. 
 
 My little fellow, about four years old, whom I 
 brought with me, gave himself no trouble amid the 
 boats, omnibuses, and railway coaches on sea, land, and 
 in dark tunnels; his father was at his side, and never 
 a care or fear or doubt or anxiety had he. May we 
 have grace to be led by the hand, and trust to the care 
 and kindness of a loving God and Father. 
 
 Thomas Guthrie. 
 
 O Thou, who art the Giver of every good and per- 
 fect gift, we bless Thee for Thine unchanging Provi- 
 dence and for Thy loving kindness which is over all 
 Thy works. Thou hast been mindful of us this day, 
 though we have forgotten Thee. Thou hast cared for 
 us even while we were not careful of ourselves. For- 
 give us that we have wandered so far away from Thee. 
 May we rest in the knowledge that Thou art, and that 
 Thou art Love. May we know that the Eternal God 
 is our dwelling-place and feel underneath the ever- 
 lasting arms. May our hearts be stayed on Thee in 
 perfect trust, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Charles F. Aked.
 
 238 &tt0tt8t 23 
 
 Happy the man and happy he alone, 
 
 He who can call today his own: 
 
 He who, secure within, can say, 
 Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today. 
 
 Be fair, or foul, or rain, or shine, 
 The pys I have possessed, in spite of fate are mine; 
 Not heaven itself upon the past has power, 
 But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour. 
 
 Horace. 
 
 We have come through this day with its varied du- 
 ties, Thou who art our Lord and our God, rejoicing 
 that all its experiences have strengthened our trust in 
 Thy Providence and our faith in Thee! We have 
 had the past! We know nothing of the future, but 
 the present is ours and we pray to use its opportunities 
 and meet its obligations in the way that makes for 
 life. Help, Lord, our inadequate efforts! Beaten 
 down, we would rise again in newness of courage, 
 because conscious of Thy nearness, and Thy willing- 
 ness to serve us. Blessed art Thou upon whom we 
 lean! We pray Thou wilt not withdraw Thy compan- 
 ionship which can hold us in a sense of duty. Help 
 us that we be more faithful servants of Thine and 
 closer disciples of Him in whose name we are asking 
 it all! Amen. 
 
 Caroline E. Angell.
 
 &U0ttSt 24 239 
 
 Give me joy, give me joy, my friends; 
 
 For once in my life has a day 
 Passed over my bead and out of my sight 
 
 And my soul has naught to unsay, 
 No querulous word to the fair little child 
 
 Who drew me from study to play; 
 No fretful reply to the hundred and one 
 
 Who questioned me gravely and gay; 
 No word to the beggar I fain would take back; 
 
 No word to the debtor at bay; 
 No angry retorts to those who misjudge, 
 
 And desire not a nay, but a yea; 
 No word, though I know I remember them all, 
 
 Which I would if I could e'er unsay. 
 Give me joy, give me joy, my friends, 
 
 For the patience that lasted all day. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 This night I thank Thee, Power Divine, that all day 
 long I have been kept from the fever and fret of anxiety 
 and of impatience. Help me always to bear with the 
 weakness of others and with my own unreasonable 
 solicitude. Give me to help the child and to console 
 grown man; to hear complaints cheerfully and answer 
 questions with courage; to keep myself with perfect 
 sweetness in the bustle and the roar as I go about my 
 work. And evermore may some glory cast from these 
 brief years be around me as I near the Gates of Twi- 
 light; and kindly faces I have loved look into mine 
 as I tread at last the flowered path to Sleep. Amen. 
 Petes MacQueen.
 
 24o Slugttst 25 
 
 Holy, Holy! — in the hush 
 Hearken to the hermit-thrush; 
 All the air 
 Is in prayer. 
 
 John Vance Cheney. 
 
 The night is sanctified with holy seeming, 
 All nature pins to worship the Divine, 
 
 Like newly lighted altar-candles gleaming 
 The stars begin to shine. 
 
 Like incense is the perfume of the valleys, 
 The winds like voices sing along the coast, 
 
 While high above the ocean s brimming chalice 
 The moon hangs like a host. 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 Blessed Lord, we enter the portals of the evening, 
 but there is no darkness where Thou art. The dark- 
 ness and the light are both alike to Thee. The seren- 
 ity of the night fitly closes the commotion of the day 
 that is past. We seek for the rest that comes with Thy 
 presence. Under Thy blessing we repose while even 
 in splendor the night excels what has been the splendor 
 of the day. Grant us the repose unbroken by dis- 
 trust and doubt. May our trust in Thee be perfect. 
 Amen. 
 
 David O. Mears.
 
 &UgU8t 26 241 
 
 The last hgbt lingers in the west 
 
 Upon some bits of floating cloud 
 
 Which ever gleam and gleam, while to the rest 
 
 Are but allowed 
 
 Fainter, reflected rays to light them forth 
 
 Into the chill, black north. 
 
 This lot be mine: 
 
 To catch the glow direct from some world-light 
 
 Whose influence, serene and bright, 
 
 Shall tinge my night, 
 
 And, by reflection, shine 
 
 On darker dust-clouds back along the line. 
 
 Robert Haven Schauffler. 
 
 O Lord, Light of the world, dispeller of darkness, 
 with Thee is no variableness nor shadow of turning. 
 To us the night cometh, to Thee there is no night. 
 Angels with holy visage illuminate our darkening 
 rooms and while we sleep beneath their vigilance 
 Thine eye beholdeth clearly. Thou, who art light, 
 dispel our gloom within. Thou canst penetrate all 
 barriers we would put up to cover our thoughts; 
 within our souls there is no hiding-place from Thee. 
 Keep our minds open to thy radiance: may it purify 
 every mental vision since we know that each is placed 
 in the light of Thy countenance. Put Thine arms 
 around us and give us to feel their inviolable security. 
 Amen. 
 
 Joseph Parker.
 
 242 SCu&ust 27 
 
 GoJ 6ro&£ our years to hours and days, 
 
 That hour by hour and day by day, 
 
 Just going on a little way, 
 
 We might be able all along 
 
 To keep quite strong. 
 
 Should all the weight of life 
 
 Be laid across our shoulders, and the future, rife 
 
 With woe and struggle, meet us face to face 
 
 At just one place, 
 
 We could not go; 
 
 Our feet would stop; and so 
 
 God lays a little on us every day. 
 
 And never, I believe, on all the way, 
 
 Will burdens bear so deep 
 
 Or pathways he so steep 
 
 But we can go, if by God's power, 
 
 We only bear the burdens by the hour. 
 
 George Klingle. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for the close of another 
 day. Thou hast led us to a new resting place in our 
 journey, where we may again halt our tired steps, 
 and lay our burdens down. Give us sleep. Grant 
 us forgetfulness of the day's sorrows, difficulties and 
 disappointments. We thank Thee for this day's 
 kindness received and given; for temptation re- 
 sisted; for difficulties overcome. We commune 
 with Thee and with ourselves, counting our mercies 
 and recounting Thy blessings. We ask pardon 
 for the day's shortcomings, and Thy benediction 
 upon our true endeavors. Keep us from harm this 
 night, and from all evil; and teach us never again 
 to doubt nor to fear. Amen. 
 
 M. J. BlEBER.
 
 &U0U0t 28 243 
 
 Hast thou been down into the deep of thought 
 Until the things of time and sense are naught; 
 Hast sunk- — sunk — in that tireless underdeep 
 Fathoms below the little reach of sleep ? 
 
 Hast visited the depth where he must go 
 
 That would the secrecies of being know? 
 
 Hast been a guest where, lost to smiles and tears, 
 
 The quiet eye looks on beyond the years ? 
 
 Hast thou been down into the deep of thought 
 Beloved of prophets, where their work is wrought ? 
 Then doubt is whelmed in hope, and care in calm, 
 The tumult melts in music of a psalm. 
 
 John Vance Cheney. 
 
 Heavenly Father, from the great invisible world 
 that broods us may we be able to put to silence the 
 noise of this life; and from out of its abundance may 
 we be able to supply the lack of this life, and live by 
 the soul and the spirit. Thou knowest our inmost 
 thought, Thou knowest what we know not, — the 
 remotest necessities, — of our souls; and what can 
 be better for us than to rest with unspoken requisitions 
 before the God who created us, who knows us, who 
 loves us, who gave Himself for us ? So may we be 
 able, day by day, to live in sweet contentment, and 
 rest in Thee. Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 244 ^UUttSt 29 
 
 Into the basket of thy day 
 
 Put each thing good and each thing gay 
 
 That thou canst find along the way. 
 
 Neglect no joy, however small, 
 
 And it shall verily befall 
 
 That day can scarcely hold them all. 
 
 Within the basket of thy day 
 Let nothing evil find its way, 
 And let no frets and worries stay. 
 
 So shall each day be brave and fair, 
 Holding of joy its happy share, 
 And finding blessings everywhere. 
 
 Priscilla Leonard. 
 
 For the light of this day which called us to con- 
 scious life and duty, by which we have beheld the 
 wonders of earth and sky, and looked into the faces of 
 those we love, we give Thee thanks, dear Lord. 
 What we have put into the day of true endeavor, of 
 kindliness and good cheer, hold Thou for the lasting 
 betterment and gladdening of the world. Point out 
 to us our errors; cleanse Thou us from faults. And 
 now that darkness is upon us,- as under the shadow 
 of Thy wings soothe and comfort us. Close our eye- 
 lids in peaceful sleep. Restore strength to worn 
 bodies and weary minds. And when the morning 
 comes, with faces radiant as the dawn and energies 
 eager for service, may we joyfully set forth as workmen 
 of God. Amen. 
 
 Harry L. Canfield.
 
 &U0tt0t 30 245 
 
 Will not a tiny speck close to our vision blot out the 
 glory of the world, and leave only a margin by which 
 we see the blot ? I know no speck so troublesome as 
 self. 
 
 George Eliot. 
 
 // a man could feel 
 Not one day in the artist's ecstasy, 
 But every day, feast, fast, and working day 
 The spiritual significance burn through 
 The hieroglyphic of material shows, 
 Henceforward he would paint the globe with wings. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Tonight, dear Father, may we truly say, " How 
 good it has been to live in Thy world and under Thy 
 beneficent laws, know ourselves Thy children, feel the 
 stir and thrill of Thy life as we have applied ourselves 
 with resolution to our tasks, experience Thy blessing 
 in our hearts as we have wrestled manfully with evil 
 propensities within or trials without that seemed 
 bound to defeat our good purposes." But if in our 
 little narrow world of personal interests, some plans 
 have been frustrated and we have been irritable or 
 rebellious, oh, grant that, still taught by Thee, we may 
 see how our selfish preoccupation has blinded us to 
 Thy glory and robbed us of Thy inspiration. So 
 because of this day, help us to live henceforth less 
 unto ourselves and more in sympathy with all life, 
 and thus find the divine meaning and joy in every 
 experience. Amen. 
 
 J. M. Atwood.
 
 246 August 31 
 
 The melancholy of the woods and plains 
 When summer nears its close; the drowsy, dim, 
 Unfathomed sadness of the mists that swim 
 About the valleys after night-long rains; 
 The humming garden, with its tawny chains 
 Of gourds and blossoms, ripened to the brim; 
 And then at eve the low moons quiet rim, 
 And the slow sunset, whose one cloud remains, 
 Fill me with peace, that is akin to tears: 
 Unutterable peace, that moves as in a dream 
 'Mid fancies sweeter than it knows or tells; 
 That sees and hears with other eyes and ears, 
 And walks with Memory beside a stream 
 That flows through fields of fadeless asphodels. 
 
 Madison Cawein. 
 
 O God, Almighty Father, in whose hand our 
 breath is, and all our ways, we seek Thee in the great 
 temple of Nature, now, in the most fitting hour of 
 worship, in the twilight of the closing summer. 
 The harvest is passing, " Change and decay in all 
 around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with 
 me." With gratitude for the season's fruitfulness, so 
 varied and so abundant everywhere, we pray Thee to 
 grant unto the children of earth the assurance that 
 the Giver of every good and perfect gift will supply 
 all the needs of life, both temporal and eternal. With 
 the setting of life's sun, may the evening Star of Hope 
 shine clear and bright, pointing the way to the Land 
 of Eternal Summer. Amen. 
 
 Charles C. Earle.
 
 Seutcwfctv i 247 
 
 Spirits I love — 
 
 Voice of the brown-flanked rapid; 
 Soul of the hemlock gloom; 
 Bring your peace to my heart, 
 Here in this room. 
 
 Spirits I love — 
 Spirits of dusk and dawn; 
 Hush of the shadowed valley; 
 Pride of the noon withdrawn; 
 Courage of crimson sunset, 
 Lips of the hillside gloom; 
 Bring your peace to my heart, 
 Here in this room. 
 
 Spirits I love — 
 Ghost of the rotting-tree-trunk; 
 Soul of the strong young fir; 
 Kiss of the twilight wind 
 In the forest spires astir; 
 Scent of the slim cone's bloom; 
 Bring your peace to my heart, 
 Here in this room. 
 
 Theodore Roberts. 
 
 Ah, how many-voiced is Thy presence, Spirit of 
 God. How narrow and dim the faith that finds Thee 
 only in one form of self-utterance. Empower us 
 to take possession of what is ours in nature, to 
 become seers and prophets of the spiritual values in 
 all ordinary scenes and experiences. So shall we 
 have a " closer walk with God," when we find 
 Him everywhere, and so shall our finite become 
 attuned to Thy Infinite. Amen. 
 
 C. Ellwood Nash.
 
 248 ScjJtnutov 2 
 
 Don't measure God's mind by your own, Euphra. 
 It would be a poor love that depended not on itself, but 
 on the feelings of the person loved. A crying baby 
 turns away from its mother's breast, but she does not 
 put it away till it stops crying. She holds it closer. 
 For my part, in the worst mood I am ever in, when I 
 don't feel I love God at all, I just look up to His love. 
 I say to Him, ' Look at me. See what state I am in. 
 Help me ! ' Ah ! you would wonder how that makes 
 peace. The love comes of itself." 
 
 George Macdonald. 
 
 And lo, Thou art so near! the mists are mellowed 
 With Thine effulgence, shining from above, 
 
 And all the dim, dim way grows sweet and hallowed, 
 Warmed, lighted, glorified by Thy strong love. 
 
 Thou art so near! As to the little lisper 
 Who sobs a wish none else may understand, 
 
 The mother bends — so Thou to my faint whisper 
 With ready ear and tender, outstretched hand. 
 
 Thou art so near! through all my joys and sorrows 
 Thou leadest, though Thy face I may not see; 
 
 My yesterdays were Thine, and my tomorrows 
 
 I leave with Thee — I leave them all with Thee! 
 
 Amen. 
 Francis Moore Geiger.
 
 September 3 249 
 
 Child of My love, " lean hard," 
 
 And let Me feel the pressure of thy care. 
 
 I know thy burden, child; I shaped it, 
 
 Poised it in Mine o%vn hand, made no proportion 
 
 In its weight to thine unaided strength; 
 
 For even as I laid it on, I said, 
 
 I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, 
 This burden shall be Mine, not hers: 
 
 " So shall I keep My child within the circling arms 
 Of Mine own love." Here lay it down, nor fear 
 To impose it on a shoulder which upholds 
 The government of worlds. Tet closer come; 
 Thou art not near enough; I would embrace thy care, 
 So I might feel My child reposing on My breast. 
 Thou lovest Me ? I know it. Doubt not then: 
 But, loving Me, lean hard. 
 
 Paul Pastnor. 
 
 O Thou great Father Soul, all the day long we 
 have leaned confidently upon Thy love, and found 
 light to guide us, strength to sustain us in right 
 thinking and clean living. Now as the shades of 
 night close in upon us, still leaning trustfully upon 
 Thee, we would lie down to peaceful slumber 
 assured that no harm can come to us since Thy 
 love is stronger than evil and Thy life stronger 
 than death. We hear Thee, Father, always calling, 
 " Come nearer, My child, lean harder, I will not for- 
 sake thee, thou art Mine and I am thine; trust, obey, 
 love and be free." Keep us, O Father, in this childlike 
 faith and confidence now and always, and Thy name 
 be hallowed ever more. Amen. 
 
 Henry N. Couden.
 
 250 September 4 
 
 Into thy lap, O Night, I fling me down, 
 
 My broken body and my baffled soul, • — 
 
 Let me forget the runners and the goal, — 
 
 And the set faces straining toward the crown, 
 
 The quickly-fading wreath of men's renown; 
 
 Into thine arms, Night, thy still control, 
 
 I give my spirit trembling with the roll 
 
 Of the great earth-din, seared by failure's frown. 
 
 Gone is the haughty lust for high command, 
 
 Gone the imperious rage for place and name; 
 
 As a child's toys from out its listless hold; 
 
 Lay on my throbbing lids thy healing hand, 
 
 And, piteous, draw around my spirit's shame, 
 
 The blessed oblivion of Thy mantle's fold. 
 
 Ethel A. Murphy. 
 
 O Thou in whose presence we have sought to live 
 another day, grant us now the forgetfulness of peace- 
 ful sleep. Help us to dismiss every care which has 
 engaged our thought and leave our unfinished tasks 
 to Thee. Make us glad, O Lord, that we do not 
 toil alone or bear responsibility in our own strength, 
 for Thou art ever with us in each high resolve and 
 worthy strife. And as children go to rest, attended by 
 parental love, may we believe that after our work 
 and play Thou sendest us repose. If the day has 
 brought grief or shame, may we hope for a tomorrow 
 all bright with the unfulfilled purposes of Thy love. 
 We pause to think of Thee and to give Thee our 
 thanks. We rejoice that Thou art and that we are 
 safe in Thine unfailing care. Forgive us, O Father, 
 for all which Thou canst not bless, and give us Thy 
 peace. Amen. 
 
 Elijah A. Hanley.
 
 September 5 251 
 
 Who's seen my day ? 
 
 'Tts gone away, 
 
 Nor left a trace 
 
 In any place. 
 
 If I could only find 
 
 Its foot -fall in some mind, 
 
 Some spirit-waters stirred 
 
 By wand of deed or word — 
 
 / should not stand at shadowy eve, 
 
 And for my day so grieve and grieve. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 At eventide search through your ways — 
 
 What you have said this day, 
 
 What done, what thought, 
 
 For more than once you may have sinned 
 
 Against your neighbor and your God. 
 
 Thomas a Kempis. 
 
 We acknowledge, O God, with grateful feeling Thy 
 gracious leading through another day. We praise 
 Thee, if today we have been able to resist 
 temptation and make progress in the heavenly 
 way. We thank Thee, O Father, if we have minis- 
 tered this day, by word or deed, to the welfare of 
 others. We rejoice in the prompting to wholesome 
 living and benign service that comes from our Great 
 Master, — walking in the light of whose example 
 our souls are enriched and glorified. We commit 
 ourselves to Thy watchcare for the night that has 
 come. We know that the darkness hideth not from 
 Thee. We pray to be made confident of spirit, relying 
 upon the promise: " Thou shalt keep him in perfect 
 peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." Amen. 
 
 Henry W. Rugg.
 
 252 Srjatewtier 6 
 
 " Seems to me it's pretty cold, and the wind is keen 
 and sharp," complained a woman, who was sitting 
 in the shade on the north veranda. Everybody who 
 passes calls it a nice day, but when you get out into 
 it, it's cold and raw." ' Of course it is," called her 
 husband from the yard, " when you are sitting in the 
 shade on the north side of the house. Come out here 
 into the sunshine; the yard is full of it." One might 
 as well expect to get into a perspiration sitting on an 
 iceberg, as expect to realize true blessedness with a com- 
 plaining spirit. Everything God has made or does is 
 ordained to bring us blessings, but if we put on blue 
 glasses, wrap shadows about us and drearily sit on the 
 north side of life, how can we expect to know much 
 about blessedness ? 
 
 Ida Q. Moulton. 
 
 Thou gracious Father, we thank Thee for the 
 blessed sunshine. It is always making a glad and 
 beautiful world. When it is actually shining let us 
 live in it and when it does not shine let us live in the 
 memory of it. And we thank Thee too for the sun- 
 shine of Thy love which penetrates to all the dark 
 corners of our world and of our hearts. Nor have we 
 to live in the memory of it at any time, for Thou 
 lovest us every day and hour. Let us lie down to- 
 night with the consciousness of Thy love and not be 
 afraid. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 Stpttttiticr 7 253 
 
 God bestows his gifts during the night," says the 
 old German proverb. Sleep itself is a great blessing; 
 and while we sleep the clouds are storing their supplies 
 of moisture, the rivers are performing their ministry 
 of labor on our behalf, the seeds are swelling in the earth, 
 the gram is springing in the fields, the fruits are ripen- 
 ing on the tree, the harvest is growing golden in the 
 mellow darkness of the autumn night; for in truth, 
 if we are wise and diligent, nature is on our side, and 
 all God's world is busy preparing our bread. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 At the close of this day, Our Father, we turn to 
 Thee in prayer, thanking Thee for its blessings of 
 pleasure and work. As the night shadows gather 
 upon us, may Thy peace be our portion. Watch over 
 us and ours during the night. Grant to us Thy 
 blessing of sleep and rest that we may arise to our 
 duties, new or old, with strength and courage. 
 We thank Thee for Thy care of us; for Thy manifold 
 provisions for our welfare that go on while we take 
 our rest. With grateful hearts, we commit our souls 
 to Thee, not afraid of what may come to us before 
 the dawn — for we will still be with Thee. Amen. 
 
 O. Howard Perkins.
 
 254 Stptcmticr 8 
 
 A dewdrop falling on the wild sea wave, 
 Exclaimed in fear, " / perish in this grave!" 
 But in a shell received, that drop of dew 
 Into a pearl of marvelous beauty ■ grew, 
 And happy now, the grace did magnify 
 Which thrust it forth, as it had feared, to die, 
 Until again, " / perish quite," it said, 
 Torn by a diver s hand from its ocean bed. 
 Oh, unbelieving ! So it came to gleam 
 Chief jewel in a monarch's diadem. 
 
 From the Persian. 
 
 O God, our Infinite Father, as the drop of dew be- 
 came pearl, and from the monarch's diadem radi- 
 ated beauty to the world, so may all realize that Thy 
 Christ image, which is implanted in every child born 
 to earth, when developed, will make all mankind 
 Thy diadem, and radiate Thy love and truth and 
 beauty throughout the world, as Thou art the Eternal 
 Monarch of the Universe. As when we retire to sleep 
 at night, we have faith that there will be a sunrise and 
 a new day, when we awake in the morning; so may 
 we have faith that as we develop Thy Christ life in 
 our lives, there will be a divine sunrise to our souls, 
 opening into Thy Kingdom of Heaven, when we will 
 all come together in righteousness and love with 
 Thee and with each other. Amen. 
 
 Walter Dole.
 
 Srjittmfctr 9 255 
 
 One stitch dropped as the weaver drove 
 His nimble shuttle to and fro, 
 In and out, beneath, above, 
 Till the pattern seemed to bud and grow 
 As if the fairies had helping ban — 
 One small stitch which could scarce be seen; 
 But the one stitch dropped pulled the next stitch out, 
 And a weak spot grew in a fabric stout; 
 And the perfect pattern was marred for aye 
 By the one small stitch that was dropped that day. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Almighty God, at the close of the day we are tired, 
 for we have been sorely tried. The archers of the 
 world have hit us and our wounds are in the heart. 
 We come unto Thee who art able to keep us from 
 falling. We come unto Thee for Thou hast the power 
 to heal. " O God most hidden and most manifest," 
 grant us Thy peace, we beseech Thee. Give to us 
 that deep sense of Thy love and pardon and then 
 the deeper depths of our lives will be quiet though 
 the surface rufflings are ever present. In Thy hand 
 even the trials and troubles of life work together for 
 our good. Help us to say with Thee " Thy will 
 be done." Then shall we know that though weeping 
 may endure for the night, joy cometh in the morn- 
 ing. May the " peace that passeth all understanding " 
 be ours at the close of this day. As we rest in Thee, 
 may we be wiser and truer and more obedient for this 
 day's doings. May we be more loyal stewards because 
 more loving children when the new day dawns. Amen. 
 
 Harold Pattison.
 
 256 Septtmtotv 10 
 
 But thank God He has not left us there. . . . When 
 we tremble — and we sometimes must — at the hideous 
 misery of the world, at the dread possibilities of evil 
 within and without, we know that the Father-arm is 
 round us, we hear the Spirit-whisper, " soft as the 
 breath of even," saying: " Fear not, only believe; all 
 souls are Mine. There is no immediate solution for 
 the terrifying mystery of evil, but you are not bubbles 
 on the ocean of time — you are here by My act, in the 
 midst of a vast system of training, correction, and re- 
 covery." 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the day 
 now closing. Thou knowest the temptations we have 
 met and the burdens we have borne. Forgive us 
 for falling short of our high calling. We place our 
 trust in Thee; Thou wilt finally give us the victory 
 and humanity a triumph over evil. Increase our faith 
 in Thee and grant us patience to await Thine ap- 
 pointed time. When assailed by evil may we preserve 
 our integrity; in suffering our hope; in betrayal our 
 faith. Help us to feel that these are Thy ministers 
 bringing out our divinity as the cutting reveals the 
 value of the diamond. Amen. 
 
 Otis F. Alvord.
 
 Stjrtemttcr U 257 
 
 No wrathful wrecks of yesterday 
 
 Shall shut the sunlight from my face; 
 
 Nor bar my upward-climbing way 
 Nor trammel me in my soul-race. 
 
 Done deeds are dead. Let those who will 
 
 Falter and fall before old ghosts; 
 For me the sweet, exultant thrill 
 
 Of marching with the conquering hosts. 
 
 For me, no dreaming doubtful dreams, 
 
 Nor pondering on gone defeat. 
 Before me lies the road which gleams 
 
 With all its triple-milhoned feet 
 
 'That bravely strive unceasingly 
 
 To reach that far tall-towered height, 
 
 Whereon the sun shines dazzlingly 
 And where there is no bitter night. 
 
 No hand may help, no word may cheer, 
 
 But by whatever Gods there be 
 Within my heart there lurks no fear 
 
 And I shall wrest the victory ! 
 
 Lucius Withers. 
 
 Gracious Lord, our Heavenly Father, another day 
 is done. We turn to thank Thee at this evening hour. 
 We know that Thou hast blessed us. We have come 
 short of our desire to serve Thee, but Thou wilt have 
 compassion and forgive. Grant us the rest that we 
 need this night. May we leave our burdens with Thee. 
 Refreshed when the morning comes, may we be pre- 
 pared to go on in the blessed and victorious way of 
 eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 George Powell Perry.
 
 258 Scpttmtitt 12 
 
 Sometimes I have thought in my meditation, "If 
 Christ would descend but as a beam of light, that I 
 might see Him, it would be such a help to my senses ! " 
 And I have listened at night, I have listened in hours 
 of sorrow, and I have heard nothing. I have called, 
 and none has answered. I have reached out imploring 
 hands, and nothing took them. I have said, "My Lord 
 and my God, if Thou art, speak to me ! " and there has 
 been no response. And yet out of these hours I have 
 come, feeling still that a silent and invisible God can be 
 more to me, taking life all through, than if He were 
 actually present and visible in a bodily form. I take 
 hold of the invisible by more sides than I do of the 
 visible. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Almighty God, grant that our meditation of Thee 
 may be constant, joyous, and blessed! We give Thee 
 thanks, O God, that Thou hast revealed Thyself as 
 light, life, and love; and we praise Thy name for the 
 assurance that the pure in heart shall see God. 
 May we trust Thee, invisible though Thou art, and 
 thus know by a blessed experience that God is, and 
 is the rewarder of those who seek Him! Grant that 
 we may lay ourselves down and sleep, and in the 
 morning awake filled with courage, hope, and joy; 
 knowing that Jehovah sustained us in the night and 
 will support us in the day. Speak to us, O God, in 
 nature, in providence, and in revelation; and, in 
 response to Thy manifold voices, may each one say, 
 " My Lord and My God! " Amen. 
 
 Robert Stuart MacArthur.
 
 September 13 259 
 
 / will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for 
 Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. 
 
 Psalm iv. 8. 
 
 Good night ! good night ! 
 Far from us flies the cheerful light: 
 But like a lamp bestowed of heaven, 
 God's goodness still to us is given: 
 We shall be safe beneath His sight. 
 
 Good night ! good night ! 
 
 Benjamin R. Bulkeley. 
 
 O Thou wha keeps the stars alicht, an' our souls 
 burnin' wi' a licht aboon that o' the stars, grant that 
 they may shine afore Thee as the stars for ever and 
 ever. An' as Thou hauds the stars burnin' a' the 
 nicht, whan there's no man to see, so haud Thou the 
 licht burnin' in our souls, whan we see neither Thee 
 nor it, but are buried in the grave o' sleep and for- 
 getfu'ness. Be Thou by us, even as a mother sits by 
 the bedside o' her ailin' wean a' the lang nicht; only 
 be Thou nearer to us, even in our verra souls, and 
 watch ower the warP o' dreams that they male' for 
 themsel's. Grant that more an' more thochts o' Thy 
 thinkin' may come into our herts day by day, till 
 there shall be at last an open road atween Thee an' 
 us, an' Thy angels may ascend and descend upon 
 us, so that we may be in Thy Heaven, e'en while we 
 are upo' Thy earth. Amen. 
 
 George Macdonald.
 
 26o StpttnUitr 14 
 
 // my counsel is of any avail, we shall at all times, 
 under persuasion that the soul is immortal and equal 
 to the burden of every evil and every good, hold on the 
 upward path, and strive in every -way after thoughtful 
 rectitude, that we may be in friendship with ourselves 
 and with the gods, not only while abiding here, but 
 when as conquerors we go round and gather in the 
 prizes of our victory; and that both now, and on the 
 millennial journey we have described, it may be well 
 with us. 
 
 Plato. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father, that we have come to 
 know the immediacy of the life immortal through 
 friendship with Christ. By Him it has been given us 
 to know, that, " Now are we the sons of God," and 
 that, " We are more than conquerors through Him 
 that loved us." So, while we have been busy this day 
 with the necessary duties of life, we have tried to do 
 them in the spirit of Him, who said, " Because I live 
 ye shall live also." Forgive the blunders, and add 
 Thy blessing to every earnest endeavor. As we seek 
 Thy face at the close of this day, strengthen us for 
 each forward step in the eternal journey which we 
 have started. Amen. 
 
 Andrew Gillies.
 
 Scjptewtoec 15 261 
 
 Constantly endeavor to do the will of another, rather 
 than thy own; 
 
 Constantly choose to want less, than to have more; 
 
 Constantly choose the lowest place, and to be humble 
 to all; and 
 
 Constantly desire and pray, that the will of God may 
 be perfectly accomplished in thee, and concerning thee. 
 
 Verily, I say unto thee, he that doeth this, enters into 
 the region of rest and peace. 
 
 Thomas a Kempis. 
 
 Grant us the blessed knowledge that the Heavenly 
 Father's will is not only good will but the best will, 
 and give us grace to freely choose and gladly do it. 
 Save us from consuming desire for all things except 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ, but for these give us 
 the hunger and thirst to which belong the beatitudes of 
 promise. Grant us that humility of soul which finds 
 supreme contentment as a doorkeeper in the house 
 of the Lord and which seeks its highest honor in the 
 service of the least of the Master's brethren. And in 
 these things of our desire may there come to our lives 
 the benediction of heavenly peace. Amen. 
 
 Matt. S. Hughes.
 
 262 ScjJtcmticr 16 
 
 1 grudge no more the playtime, 
 
 Midsummer s dreamy hours, 
 When all the sunny day-time 
 
 Was rest for languid powers. 
 
 Each breath upon the mountains, 
 
 Or in the forest shade,. 
 Or by the sea's cool fountains, 
 
 My spirit stronger made. 
 
 And strength was made for spending; 
 
 My soul no miser be, 
 But to thy tasks now bending 
 
 Give self in service free! 
 
 John Coleman Adams. 
 
 O God, our Father, we lift our hearts to Thee, and 
 send our wishes heavenward. We thank Thee for 
 Thyself and all Thou art to the creatures of thy con- 
 stant thought and love. We thank Thee for the 
 summer days we have seen, and all their wondrous 
 ministry to our welfare. We have proved again how 
 good Thou art. Thy presence in the seed time and 
 harvest was most wonderful. The miracle of the 
 manna has been repeated. The season has passed, 
 but Thou remainest. We praise Thee for autumnal 
 rest and reflections. May we know the Giver, and 
 rejoice in Him more than in the gifts. Repeat Thy 
 former mercies, and help us to bring our lives up to 
 this act of devotion. Let the pillar of cloud and 
 fire ever sentinel our dwelling, that whether we sleep 
 or wake, live or die, we may be Thine. Abide with 
 us. Amen. 
 
 James M. Thoburn.
 
 Sqjtcmtjcr 17 263 
 
 Home's not merely four square walls, 
 Though with pictures hung and gilded: 
 Home is where affection calls, 
 Filled with shrines the heart hath builded. 
 
 Home ! go watch the faithful dove, 
 Sailing 'neath the heaven above us: 
 Home is where there's one to love, 
 Home is where there's one to love us. 
 
 Home's not merely roof and room, 
 Needs it something to endear it: 
 Home is where the heart can bloom, 
 Where there's some kind lip to cheer it. 
 
 Charles Swain. 
 
 O Thou from whom every family in heaven and 
 on eartli is named, we bless Thee for the human love 
 with which the day now closing has been gladdened; 
 for the courage which came in the thought that loved 
 ones believed in us; for the enlargement of our life 
 made possible in their service. Forgive us, if we have 
 seemed unmindful of these mercies; renew our love, 
 if it have grown careless or cold; and purge us from 
 all selfishness that we may be more loyal to those 
 whom Thou hast given us. Give us a vision of what 
 our homes should mean. From the shelter which it 
 gives and in the strength which it supplies, send 
 us forth daily to battle for all good things. Amen. 
 
 Edwin R. Smith.
 
 264 Sejurmfier 18 
 
 / sent my soul through the Invincible, 
 Some letter of that after-life to spell; 
 And by-and-by my soul returned to me 
 And answered, I, myself, am Heaven and Hell. 
 
 Omar Khayyam. 
 
 / was young. I prayed to the gods above. 
 
 Prayed and struggled and lost my prayer. 
 And I beat my breast and cursed and raved. 
 
 I was young. I thought that the gods were there. 
 
 I am old. I commune with the gods within. 
 
 Listen and learn and have no fear. 
 And the sunlight's good and the hills are fair. 
 
 I am old. I know that the gods are here. 
 
 Lucine Finch. 
 
 Help us, O Lord, to compass the knowledge of 
 our kingdom here and now, — to obey and to rule in 
 it. As the stars tonight are shepherded in the sky 
 by Thy care, so in our souls reigns Thy everlasting 
 love. Within our hearts are deathless sentiments; 
 within our minds shines the eternal right: Sinai and 
 Calvary, law and gospel are there. Restrain, we pray 
 Thee, our vain wishes and roaming desires. Enable 
 us to dwell in honor with our consciences, and to give 
 to others peace, courage and guidance. Amen. 
 
 Edward A. Horton.
 
 September \o 265 
 
 The wind that blows can never kill 
 
 The tree God plants; 
 It hloweth east, it blowetb west; 
 The tender leaves have little rest. 
 But any wind that blows is best. 
 
 The tree God plants 
 Strikes deeper roots, grows higher still, 
 Spreads wider boughs, for God's good will 
 Meets all its wants. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Our Father in Heaven, we thank Thee that Thou 
 art the Great Husbandman. Our lives are not de- 
 termined by chance, but Thou hast planted them, 
 and Thou dost keep them night and day. When we 
 are tempted to say " My way is hid from Jehovah," 
 comfort our hearts with the assurance that Thou dost 
 nurture each life of Thy planting that it may bear much 
 fruit. Make us patient under pruning. May we 
 be so rooted and grounded in the certainty of Thy love 
 that every wind that blows shall toughen our moral 
 fibre and strengthen our hold upon Thee. Make us 
 sure of God. Supply the secret sources of life from 
 the fountains of living water, that we may bring 
 forth fruit in due season and that our leaf may not 
 wither. So shall we rejoice continually in Thy love 
 and praise Thee forever. Amen. 
 
 Edward MacArthur Noyes.
 
 266 SejJttmfier 20 
 
 Right over against the gloomy face of fear stands 
 the Lord Jesus Christ and these words of ineffable 
 cheer: " Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even 
 our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us 
 everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 
 comfort your hearts." I cannot read such a passage as 
 this without feeling that it is like a mother's putting her 
 hand on her child's head, and soothing it, and stroking 
 down its curls, and fondling it, or putting her arms 
 about it and caressing it. As a mother not simply 
 speaks, but in a thousand winning ways carries out 
 the words in practice, so, when I read this passage, it 
 is as though God's spirit caressed me, and was bringing 
 me comfort. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Thou blessed Father, we come to Thee because 
 Thou lovest us, even as a mother loves her child. We 
 are children and sorely need a mother's forgiving 
 caress. Wilt Thou fold us within Thy circling arms 
 and speak to our spirit the word Thou knowest we 
 need. In Thy love over-rule our mistakes that Thy 
 rule in the hearts of all be not hindered; and sanction 
 and seal today's effort and thought for the coming 
 of the Kingdom. Enable us to now yield ourselves 
 entirely to Thee through the hours of the night 
 until the morning break and the shadows disappear, 
 Amen. 
 
 Orisen C. Sargent.
 
 September 21 267 
 
 O Happiness, our being's end and aim ! 
 Good, pleasure, ease, content ! wbate'er thy name; 
 That something still which prompts th' eternal s 
 For which we bear to live, or dare to die. 
 
 A I PYANnCD Pr> D 1 
 
 sigh, 
 1 to die. 
 Alexander Pope. 
 
 Say, Epicurean, what things make happy; he an- 
 swers — " The pleasures of the body." Say, Stoic; he 
 answers — " The virtue of the soul." Say, Christian; 
 he answers — " The gift of God." 
 
 St. Augustine. 
 
 God of gladness, Thou, who dost fill the heart of the 
 lark with bliss and grant it the gift of song for the 
 outpouring thereof in Thy praise: Thou who dost give 
 its beauty to the lily and brim its cup with fragrance 
 in which Thou takest delight as Thou dost in the 
 prayer of the pure in heart: Thou, who dost make 
 Thy dwelling among men the joy of the whole earth, 
 for the love that flows an ever-deepening river from 
 its mercy-seat; share with us, we beseech Thee, Thy 
 rapture of goodness. Grant us Thyself, O Spirit 
 of love and of holiness, and we shall rejoice evermore 
 in Thee, and Thou shalt have joy in us. Amen. 
 
 Newell Woolsey Wells.
 
 268 Sejitcmtoct: 22 
 
 One thing we know that is worth the while, 
 
 As we dream or watch, by night or by day: 
 Wherever we go there's a wonderful smile 
 That comes to us all from the heart of things. 
 Earth with her creatures leaps and sings, 
 And night divine with her myriad stars 
 
 Rains peace and ]oy with each falling ray, 
 Till the soul bursts forth from her prison bars, 
 And sings, as we watch and dream and strive: 
 God's thought is good and His world is alive ! " 
 John William Scholl. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for another day. It 
 has brought everything to our door. If we have been 
 able to take any of Thy gracious gifts and build them 
 into fine living we give Thee thanks. If we have been 
 too tired and selfish, too dull and busy about the 
 world, to see Thee or Thy gifts we pray for pardon. 
 Call us back to Thee this moment. Be patient with 
 us, Thou who rememberest that we are dust. Let 
 us know that Thy thought is good and this world 
 alive with Thee. If we have seen it today we give 
 Thee thanks for the splendid vision. If we cannot 
 always see it, help us to walk by faith. In the spirit 
 of Jesus we would live and speak to Thee. Amen. 
 
 L. B. Fisher.
 
 <StptCWt)tV 23 269 
 
 There's never a rose in all the world 
 
 But makes some green spray sweeter; 
 There's never a wind in all the sky 
 
 But makes some bird wing fleeter; 
 There's never a star but brings to Heaven 
 
 Some silver radiance tender; 
 And never a rosy cloud but helps 
 
 To crown the sunset splendor; 
 No robin but may thrill some heart, 
 
 His dawn-like gladness voicing; 
 God gives us all some small, sweet way 
 
 To set the world rejoicing. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 We thank Thee, Father, for the possibilities of 
 blessed ministry that exist in small and common 
 things. If this day we have failed of the great ideals 
 and goals of service, may we yet be able to retain the 
 consciousness that our lives have blessed and bright- 
 ened the lives of others. Because we use our capacity 
 for helpfulness, may we see our power to minister 
 increasing. When we are discouraged, let it be our 
 fortune to receive some message from some one we 
 may have helped in other days. Let this be to us the 
 evangel that shall lead us to gird our loins for an- 
 other day of service and blessed ministering. Amen. 
 
 Charles Elbert Hamilton.
 
 270 StjJttrotor 24 
 
 Be merry while you may, 
 
 Sweet lady o' the morn, 
 For each rose has its day, 
 
 And every night its thorn. 
 
 Laugh while your youth is fair, 
 Dance while the sun is bright, 
 
 Ere comes the evening care, 
 The trouble of the night. — 
 
 So, were it time at last 
 
 For you and joy to part, 
 The dusk would gloiv with past 
 
 Stored sunshine from your heart. 
 
 Louise Morgan Sill. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, amidst life's rough way we 
 pray for the habit of cheer and hope. Let it not be 
 alone the joy of health or fortune or youth. Let it 
 be the joy of faith and trust. May we go forth to each 
 task with such conscious Divine alliance that we may 
 be able to laugh at storms and misfortunes and smile 
 in the face of adversity. Through the habit of hope 
 born of faith let there come some permanent increase 
 of courage that shall last through night and storm. 
 Then shall we not part from joy at all, but shall find 
 our joy in Thee. Amen. 
 George L. Perin.
 
 Septcm&cr 25 271 
 
 As we wax older on this earth, 
 
 Till many a toy that charmed us seems 
 Emptied of beauty, stripped of worth, 
 
 And mean as dust and dead as dreams, — 
 For gauds that perished, shows that passed, 
 
 Some recompense the Fates have sent: 
 Thrice lovelier shine the things that last, 
 
 The things that are more excellent. 
 
 The grace of friendship, — mind and heart 
 
 Linked with their fellow heart and mind; 
 The gains of science, gifts of art; 
 
 The sense of oneness with our kind; 
 The thirst to know and understand — 
 
 A large and liberal discontent: 
 These are the goods in life's rich hand, 
 
 The things that are more excellent. 
 
 William Watson. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for the world about us, 
 and for the men and women of great steadfastness of 
 soul, who bear faithful witness against iniquity, who 
 light the torch of truth and pass it from hand to 
 hand, and sow the world with seeds whence in due 
 time the white flowers of peace shall also spring. We 
 thank Thee for the great truths which are old, and 
 the new truths also which are great, and for the 
 light of justice. O Lord, we thank Thee that the 
 glories which kings and prophets waited for have 
 come down to us, and Thou hast revealed unto babes 
 and sucklings those truths which other ages yearned 
 for and found not. Amen. 
 
 Theodors Parker.
 
 272 SrptrtntJtr 26 
 
 The storm had passed me, and I lay 
 Upon the bosom of Life's ocean, derelict; 
 Far off the thunder echoed, and beyond 
 I heard the sullen roar of angry surf 
 Beating a rock-bound shore; nor hope had I 
 That ever ray of dawn could penetrate the gloom. 
 At length a star appeared, — and through the night 
 A tender voice I heard: " Fear not ! Thou art 
 Not all bereft. My child, come thou to Me; 
 When earthly joys take flight, true peace is born ! " 
 Then from the deeps of my unmeasured woe, 
 Stretching my empty hands, to Him I cried; 
 And when from darkness unto light I turned, 
 Lo ! it was day ! 
 
 Mary Lloyd McConnell. 
 
 The way is steep, the path is narrow, the conflict 
 of life is severe. And how tired our feet are! How 
 weary our eyes become! We need that rest which 
 Thou hast in Thyself. Thou art at eternal labor 
 and eternal ease. Thou sittest rejoicing, Thyself 
 calm, sending forth the storm, and rebuking and 
 laying it low. Thou hast in Thyself all that we need 
 in the conflicts of life; and we desire to rise into Thy 
 presence with our thoughts, and with all the needs 
 and inward and unspeakable wants of our soul. We 
 desire to feel the atmosphere in which Thou dost 
 dwell, and to go away as those that have walked in 
 the garden, and borne the very perfume of all that 
 grows and is beautiful. O Thou, who dost command 
 the morning to come forth from the night, shine upon 
 our dark and troubled souls — and grant us Thy joy 
 and peace. Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 Septtmfccr 27 273 
 
 Some day, some day, 'twill all come right, 
 
 The tangled skein will all unwind, 
 And we will grasp the colors bright 
 
 And leave the sombre threads behind. 
 The sun is low and rest is sweet, 
 
 Yet fears draw round us when it sets. 
 And sorrow comes with winged feet 
 
 And joy but heralds new regrets. 
 
 E'en while we taste, sweet draughts will turn 
 
 To bitterness that hurts us sore; 
 We learn to love and, loving, learn 
 
 To feel the loved one's loss the more. 
 And yet, when Reason's light grows pale 
 
 There shines through darkness still a ray 
 Of faith untaught which cannot fail 
 
 And leads us onward to some day. 
 
 Philander C. Johnson. 
 
 Give us, O God, implicit trust in Thee. May we 
 seek not to be protected from Thee, but grant us 
 the assurance that Thou always art our protection. 
 Especially in sorrow, perplexity and darkness, be 
 Thou our Comforter, Guide and Light. May the 
 pressure of human hands and the sympathy voiced 
 by human lips be tokens of that Divine love that 
 never fails and is adequate and available for every 
 need. Even though love of friends and kindred 
 should be denied and our night be without a star, 
 still may we know that underneath are the everlasting 
 arms. Calm and strong in child-like trust, may we this 
 night yield ourselves to Thee and find refreshing 
 sleep. 
 
 Richard E. Sykes.
 
 274 ScjJtcmtjn; 28 
 
 A fire swept the forest growth away — 
 
 All the green thicket deeds of tender Earth; 
 And every sapling Hope had given birth 
 
 Burned red, then white, and crumbled to decay; 
 
 While blackened trees stood stark in mute dismay. 
 
 So like our lives, consumed by some distress, 
 
 When trusting hearts, blithe in the spirit of youth, 
 Are blasted by the flames of sorrow's truth 
 And withered in Pain's fire of faithlessness — 
 Until where Beauty bloomed no man can guess. 
 
 Tet, lo ! a miracle when time is told: — 
 
 As trees and flowers shall bless that sod again 
 And lift their fervent lips to summers rain, 
 So may our hearts arise from ashes cold, 
 To give new growth to God a thousandfold. 
 
 Edith Livingston Smith. 
 
 God of all power and might! Thy secret place shall 
 be our shelter still. On one thing our heart is fixed, 
 that we will put our trust in Thee, though terrors also 
 are around Thee. Thou hangest the world upon 
 nothing: yet we dwell thereon in peace. Thou barest 
 Thine arm in the lightning: yet we work in the fields 
 which Thou smitest, and own it as the messenger of 
 Thy perfect will. Darkness and tempest are often 
 round Thee; yet we expect Thy light behind every 
 cloud. In every sorrow which awaits us, may we 
 look up without despair. If we are driven by strong 
 trouble, as a bird before the storm, may we find 
 shelter in Thee, as in the clefts of the everlasting Rock 
 which the tempests cannot shake. Amen. 
 
 James Martineau.
 
 September 29 275 
 
 'Tis the front toward life that matters most 
 
 The tone, the point of view, 
 The constancy that in defeat 
 
 Remains untouched and true; 
 
 For death in patriot fight may be 
 
 Less gallant than a smile, 
 And high endeavor, to the gods, 
 
 Seems in itself worth while ! 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 Heavenly Father, give me the courage never to be 
 content with things as they are, or myself as I am; 
 but ever to welcome Thy call to progress and reform. 
 I like to do things I can do easily because I have done 
 them before: Thou art ever calling me to do new 
 things, for which I have no ready-made aptitude. 
 I like to do things which everybody will approve, 
 because they are familiar: Thou art ever calling me 
 to do new things which the good misunderstand and 
 the evil misinterpret. I like to do things that succeed, 
 because the world wants them: Thou art ever calling 
 me to do new things for which the world is not quite 
 ready, and therefore at the outset are doomed to 
 fail. Give me the brave heart to rise above the coward- 
 ice men call conservatism, and obey Thy call. When 
 Thy clear orders come; doubly attested by manifest 
 duty without, and the stirring of latent power within; 
 then may I have the courage which implicitly obeys; 
 counts no cost and fears no foe; and leaves results 
 entirely in Thy hands. Amen. 
 
 William De Witt Hyde.
 
 276 Sejjtcmtjcr 30 
 
 Dwell deep ! The little things that chafe and fret, 
 Oh, waste not golden hours to give them heed ! 
 
 The slight, the thoughtless wrong, do thou forget, 
 Be self-forgot in serving others' need. 
 
 Thou faith in God through love for man shalt keep. 
 Dwell deep, my soul, dwell deep ! 
 
 Dwell deep ! Forego the pleasure if it bring 
 Neglect of duty; consecrate each thought; 
 
 Believe thou in the good of everything, 
 
 And trust that all unto the wisest end is wrought. 
 
 Bring thou this comfort unto all who weep, 
 Dwell deep, my soul, dwell deep ! 
 
 James Buchanan. 
 
 O Thou whose depths no man can sound, and whose 
 resources can never be exhausted; we turn unto 
 Thee at this holy hour that we may be re-enforced, 
 and that our little cups of need may be filled. We are 
 stepping into the Silence to woo the goddess of Slum- 
 ber. The remembrance of the petty and mean things 
 which have asserted themselves during the day may 
 disturb our sleep. We need to learn the divine art of 
 forgetfulness, that we may hold in glad remembrance 
 only the larger, the more wholesome, the real things. 
 Do Thou, O Infinite Depths of Wisdom, teach us! 
 Then our appeal for rest will be heard, and we shall 
 be invited into the sweet realm of glad dreams. 
 May angels of tenderness brood over us tonight; 
 and may we awake, eager to answer Thy call to service. 
 With perfect confidence, we commit ourselves to Thee, 
 O Thou who art the Unfathomable! Amen, 
 
 James Harry Holden.
 
 (kctobcr i 2 77 
 
 The day dies slowly in the western sky; 
 
 The sunset splendor fades, and wan and cold 
 The far peaks wait the sunrise; cheerily 
 
 The goatherd calls his wanderers to their fold. 
 My weary soul, that fain would cease to roam, 
 Take comfort; evening bringeth all things home. 
 
 Homeward the swift-winged sea-gull takes its flight; 
 
 The ebbing tide breaks softfv on the sand; 
 The sunlit boats draw shoreward for the night; 
 The shadows deepen over sea and land; 
 
 Be still, my soul, thine hour shall also come; 
 Behold, one evening God shall lead thee home. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 O Thou, in whom Thy children rest, receive us as 
 we turn unto Thee. We are weary with the cares 
 and toils of the day, with the clamor of tongues, the 
 bustle of trade, and the ceaseless going to and fro. 
 We thank Thee that from it all we may turn to Thee 
 for quiet; that the deep calm of the Infinite may be 
 ours; that in Thy presence our earthiness falls from 
 us, our strength is renewed, and our emptiness re- 
 plenished. And yet it has been a good day, a day 
 of privilege and blessing. Thou hast been with us 
 as we have busied ourselves about our tasks, making 
 our burdens light and our labor a joy. Be Thou with 
 us always and make our days all beautiful and useful. 
 And when the last sun sets may we rest eternally 
 in Thee. Amen. 
 
 Charles M. Melden.
 
 278 (Dctofccr 2 
 
 Serene I fold my hands and wait, 
 Nor care for wind nor tide nor sea; 
 
 I rave no more 'gainst time or fate, 
 For, lo ! my own shall come to me. 
 
 I stay my haste, I make delays; 
 
 For what avails this eager pace ? 
 I stand amid the eternal ways, 
 
 And what is mine shall know my face. 
 
 Asleep, awake, by night or day, 
 
 The friends I seek are seeking me; 
 
 No wind can drive my bark astray, 
 Nor change the tide of destiny. • 
 
 John Burroughs. 
 
 Our Father, dear and trusted, all that is dark to us 
 is perfect light to Thee, and we who have learned to 
 let the darkness of the night enfold us and bring to us 
 its rest, would leave whatever else is dark in happy 
 confidence to Thee. Our fate is hidden, but its ends 
 are safe in the keeping of Thy love and wisdom. To- 
 morrow's path will lead us we know not where, but 
 Thou knowest, and will not forsake us. We pray 
 Thy will be done, whatever it may be, for we have 
 come to trust Thy will as infinitely good and true, 
 and not to change it is our hearts' desire, but to make 
 it our own. Amen. 
 
 George Kent.
 
 (kctoticr 3 279 
 
 / have a little brook in the deeps of my heart, 
 
 What does it matter if the day be chill or clear ? 
 
 Colored like a tourmaline, and winged like a dart, 
 Voiced like a nightingale, it sings all the year. 
 
 Small bright herbs on the banks of the stream, 
 Moon-pale primroses and tapestries of fern; 
 
 This is the reality, and life ts just a dream — 
 Iridescent bubbles that the moon-tides turn. 
 
 Helen Hay Whitney. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, another day is closing and 
 we come into Thy presence to thank Thee for the 
 lesson we have learned. As the evening shuts we are 
 reminded of the rapid passing of our days in this 
 beautiful world of Thine. We are one day nearer 
 home, and one day richer in experience. And while 
 there is a feeling of sadness in our hearts tonight be- 
 cause of the failures of the day, there is also great 
 gladness because down deep in our lives is the con- 
 sciousness of our possession of an eternal spring of 
 the water of life; and for this we heartily thank Thee. 
 This it is that brings the song into life, makes life 
 real and worth while. We humbly crave Thy for- 
 giveness for all that has been mean and ignoble and 
 that may have defiled the pure stream of the water 
 of life this day. Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, Thy 
 watch care during the night, and help us to awaken 
 with a new consciousness of Thy love and a re- 
 doubled ambition to serve Thee more ' perfectly. 
 Amen. 
 
 Frederick E. Taylor.
 
 280 <£ctotoer 4 
 
 Without haste ! without rest ! 
 Bind the motto to thy breast; 
 Bear it with thee as a spell; 
 Storm or sunshine, guard it well! 
 Haste not I Let no thoughtless deed 
 Mar for aye the spirit's speed ! 
 Ponder well, and know the right, 
 Onward then, with all thy might ! 
 Haste not ! years can ne'er atone 
 For one reckless action done. 
 Rest not ! Life is sweeping by, 
 Go and dare, before you die; 
 Something mighty and sublime 
 Leave behind to conquer time ! 
 Haste not ! rest not I calmly wait; 
 Meekly bear the storms of fate ! 
 Duty be thy polar guide — 
 Do the right whate'er betide ! 
 
 Goethe. 
 
 Father of all, I thank Thee for the place where Thou 
 hast put me; with persons on every side whom I must 
 either serve or injure; work which I must do either 
 well or ill; things I must either beautify or mar. It 
 is at once Thy will and my duty to treat these persons 
 so kindly; to do this work so well; to order these 
 things so nicely, that happiness, goodness, beauty 
 shall be the harmonious result. Help me to con- 
 tribute with joy my little part to Thy vast harmony. 
 When my little plans clash with Thy larger purposes, 
 may I gladly give up my personal preference to serve 
 Thy mighty aims; and find therein not hardship, 
 but a dear delight. Amen. 
 
 William De Witt Hyde.
 
 <r>ctolicr 5 
 
 281 
 
 Am I to thank God for everything ? Am I to thank 
 Htm for bereavement, for pain, for poverty, for toil ? 
 . . . Be still, my soul: thou hast misread the message. 
 It is not to give thanks for everything, but to give thanks 
 in everything. 
 
 George Matheson. 
 
 // then you would maintain a fearless, undoubting 
 attitude in such a world as this; if you would keep your 
 head when you read the newspapers; if you would 
 trust God, though * the whole creation groaneth and 
 travatleth together in pain; " clear your mind of gen- 
 eralities, and platitudes, and second causes, and limi- 
 tations, and stand face to face with the Universal Soul. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father, that Thou hast not 
 clothed Thyself with terror; that Thou dost not fill 
 the future with fear. We draw near to Thee by Him 
 who is called Saviour, Friend, Redeemer; and, when 
 we are taken by His hand and presented to Thee, we 
 behold Thy name. It is Father. We are taught to 
 call Thee by this endearing name. In Thee is refuge 
 and rescue to those that are outside of Thee, tossed 
 with fear and with dread. We take refuge as children 
 in our Father's house. We run to Thee in every time 
 of fear, that we may be saved. And we rejoice. Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 282 #ctotJcr 
 
 Say not " I have a soul," I am a soul, 
 
 And have a body budded for my need, 
 
 7 bat I, a soul, may in this great world-school 
 
 Study the Masters works. My earthly house 
 
 Has wondrous windows; mimic galleries lead 
 
 Dwinest sounds to me — deep lessons spelled 
 
 By loving lips, and vast world melodies. 
 
 I am a soul, set in a sphere compact 
 
 Of transient elements. 
 
 Of these a little handful serves for home, 
 
 For medium touch 'twtxt me and earth, 
 
 The while I stay — gives fire and food and rest. 
 
 Shall the base stuff strike into me a stain, 
 
 Leave pungent, earthy odor ? Soul of all, 
 
 Attract me, lest the body should 
 
 Transcend a dwelling's use. 
 
 Mary F. Butts. 
 
 O Thou, whose glory filleth all things! whose great- 
 ness we can never find, but whose presence we would 
 always seek! whose excellency is more than we can 
 know, yet all that we adore! from the confused voices 
 of our life we turn to Thy silent presence: from our 
 dark and bounded sky we issue forth into Thy pure 
 and infinite light. O, come, Thou Holy Spirit, we 
 beseech Thee! and even to our dull clay bring Thy 
 sanctity and dwell. O Spirit of grace, who with- 
 holdest Thy blessing from none! take from us the 
 tediousness and anxiety of a selfish mind, the unfruit- 
 fulness of cold affections, the weakness of an incon- 
 stant will. Amen. 
 
 James Marti neau.
 
 iDctoticr 7 283 
 
 Where tends this hard and toilsome way ? 
 It is the straight and narrow road 
 That leads to God from man's abode. 
 
 A cross my burden all the way ? 
 
 Ay, 'tis a sign that thou wouldst feel 
 Beyond thine own another's weal. 
 
 Stands there no inn beside the way ? 
 
 Nay, wouldst thou wish to dream awhile ? 
 And dear-bought hours with play beguile ? 
 
 And if I faint along the way? 
 
 Then shalt thou know, as ne'er before, 
 His sorrow who did suffer more. 
 
 Goes there no guide to point the way? 
 Ay, One — the first to share thy woes. 
 Thou canst not think how near He goes. 
 
 How shall I know where ends the way ? 
 There One whose face thou wilt recall 
 Shalt meet with thee, and tell thee all. 
 
 Howard Arnold Walter. 
 
 O Lord, we remember the sorrows with which 
 Thou triest us, which make our eyes run down with 
 tears, and we pray Thee that there may be in us such 
 serenity to trust in Thy providence that every tear 
 shall be changed to a far-prospecring glass, whereby 
 distant glories shall be brought near, and things 
 seemingly small shine out in their real grandeur before 
 our eyes, and ourselves be comforted even by the 
 affliction Thou givest us, and grow strong by what else 
 would weaken heart and soul. Amen. 
 Theodore Parker.
 
 284 #ctofccr 8 
 
 A lone soul came to Heaven s hard gate, 
 Low at the warder's feet she fell; 
 
 Sobbing, she said she had not knocked so late 
 But for the many roads to Hell. 
 
 Stroking her bowed, unmothered head, 
 Up spoke the good old warder gray; 
 
 'This child, too fair, high up let her be led, 
 Past them that never lost their way." 
 
 John Vance Cheney. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we too have sometimes lost 
 our way. But we rejoice to believe that Thou hast 
 followed us with the allurements of Thy love into all 
 the lonely and dangerous paths. Thou hast waited 
 patiently for the awakening to come, always ready to 
 speak gently when we are ready to come home. O 
 Father, from all our vain and unfruitful wanderings, 
 we come back to Thee tonight. Let us not knock in 
 vain at the door of our Father's house. Let us in, 
 out of the homesickness and out of the storm, that 
 we may dwell with Thee and find comfort and peace. 
 Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 (Dctotocr 9 285 
 
 The child leans on its parent's breast, 
 Leaves there its cares, and ts at rest; 
 The bird sits singing by its nest, 
 
 And tells aloud 
 His trust in God, and so is blest 
 
 'Neath every cloud. 
 
 The heart that trusts forever sings, 
 And feels as light as it had wings; 
 A well of peace within it springs; 
 
 Come good or ill, 
 Whate'er today, tomorrow, brings, 
 
 It is His will! 
 
 Isaac Williams. 
 
 Our Father who art in Heaven, who art the soul 
 of Love beneath all Providences, who art all kind- 
 ness, all strength and wisdom; we come to Thee 
 out of our great need to learn the lesson of trust. 
 We are weak. Thou art strong. We cannot see our 
 way. Thou knowest it from the beginning unto the 
 end. Help us to know that Thy wisdom and goodness 
 have worked it out for us. Help us to interpret life 
 through Thine unerring Love. Human love often 
 faileth. Thine never. Others often grow weary 
 and impatient with us. Thy patience is long-suffering, 
 but never lessens and never ends. So teach us, in 
 the darkest as in the lightest hours to trust the un- 
 failing love, and never to doubt that Thy ways with 
 us lead evermore to peace and victory. Amen. 
 
 A. B. Hervey.
 
 286 <£ctot)tr 10 
 
 As I go speeding to the Western Gate, 
 Let me not murmur at unwelcome Fate, 
 But rather Life's unnumbered joys relate — 
 As I go speeding west. 
 
 Beyond the sunset lies effulgent dawn, 
 I would not make men sad while journeying on, 
 Nor give them food for tears, when I am gone. 
 I would not make men sad. 
 
 Too much we talk of gloom, and grief, and shade, 
 Forgetting that kind law a just God made, 
 Whereby small woes with mighty joys are paid, 
 Too much we talk of gloom. 
 
 Tea, there are vast delights on this good earth, 
 And he who counts them, from his hour of birth, 
 Shall find this life a thing of precious worth. 
 Tea, there are vast delights. 
 
 Ella Wheeler Wilcox. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we have not shed one tear too 
 many, nor had one affliction too many. The burden 
 has never been too heavy. The cross has never been 
 cruel to us. We bear witness, that though for the 
 present, affliction has not been joyous to us, but 
 grievous, afterwards it has worked the peaceable 
 fruit of righteousness, in that we have been exer- 
 cised thereby; and we commit ourselves to Thee 
 for the future. We thank Thee, O God, that there 
 are more smiles in the universe than tears and more 
 love than hatred. Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 #ctot)cr u 287 
 
 Drop a word of cheer and kindness — 
 
 Just a flash and it is gone; 
 But there's half a hundred ripples 
 
 Circling on and on and on, 
 Bearing hope and joy and comfort 
 
 On each splashing, dashing wave, 
 Till you wouldn't believe the volume 
 
 Of the one kind word you gave. 
 Drop a word of cheer and kindness — 
 
 In a minute you forget; 
 But there's gladness still a swelling — 
 
 And there's joy a-cir cling yet, 
 And you've rolled a wave of comfort 
 
 Whose sweet music can be heard 
 Over miles and miles of water 
 
 Just by dropping a kind word. 
 
 Gustavus Williams. 
 
 O Lord, Thou art ever speaking to us, though 
 often we do not recognize Thy voice. When we speak 
 a kind word, Thou dost always give us Thine assur- 
 ance of pleasure; Thou dost speak kindly to our 
 hearts. If through this day, we have failed to say 
 the word of cheer and kindness, of hope or comfort, 
 where the word was needed, speak to us now Thy 
 gentle rebuke. Teach us, our Father, that our speech 
 does not die; that it lives forever in human spirits; 
 and that our word of peace, even when rejected, 
 returns to live with us always. Help us so to speak 
 by the grace of Thy Son, Thy word of Life to us, 
 that in this evening time, and in the final evening 
 time, we may hear Thine own benediction of peace. 
 Amen. 
 
 Edwin H. Hughes.
 
 288 #ctofccr 12 
 
 Then gently scan your brother Man, 
 
 Still gentler sister Woman; 
 Tho' they may gang a kennin wrang, 
 
 To siep aside is human: 
 One point must still be grectly dark, 
 
 The moving Why they do it; 
 And just as lamely can ye mark, 
 
 How far perhaps they rue it. 
 
 Who made the heart, 'tis He alone 
 
 Decidedly can try us, 
 He knows each chord its various tone, 
 
 Each spring its various bias : 
 Then at the balance let's be mute, 
 
 We never can adjust it; 
 What's done we partly may compute, 
 
 But know not what's resisted. 
 
 Robert Burns. 
 
 O Thou who knowest our downsitting and our 
 uprising and art acquainted with all our ways, as 
 once again Thou foldest the curtains of night about 
 us, we lift our prayer to Thee. In Thy Fatherhood 
 we find faith and hope. Thou art mindful of our 
 mistakes and our shortcomings, but Thou knowest 
 as well our efforts to be true, and our shame when 
 we fall short of our ideals. Help us, we beseech 
 Thee, to nearer attain unto what is right, and may 
 we be just and kindly in our dealing with each other. 
 Keep us as under the shadow of Thy wings and lead 
 us in the way everlasting. Amen. 
 
 R. Perry Bush.
 
 (DttOtJtt 13 289 
 
 Humble are we when good in little ways, — 
 In faithful doing of the common things. 
 
 The gentle passing of the nights and days 
 
 O'erfilled with stoned blessings, outward flings 
 A simple message, yet befitting kings! 
 
 Who sees a duty, and his hand not stays 
 From its completion, hears a song and sings 
 
 To hearts through misery dumb; who softly prays 
 The noble, silent prayer that, half expressed, 
 
 Leaps up to heaven unhindered by mans ear, 
 Straight from the purified, Love-guarded breast; 
 Who stands serene amid the world's dense fear t — 
 
 This one hath found a ladder to the sky 
 
 Whose every rung is brave humility. 
 
 Evelyn Sylvester Knowles. 
 
 Thou Perfect Life, illumine our being that we may 
 discern not great, not little, but the superlative; 
 that little is great if so be that its inspiration is genuine 
 and its doing carry blessing and cheer, and that great 
 is little if imbued with ignoble feeling. Reveal to 
 us that where pain is lulled in human experience, 
 where the bereft is companioned by sympathy and 
 fellowship, ■ — the divine, the perfect has transpired. 
 Thus in Thy light we shall see light whether the 
 morning or the evening be round about us. Amen. 
 
 Stanford Mitchell.
 
 2go (Dctofccr 14 
 
 If things don t go to suit you, 
 
 What use to frown and sigh ? 
 You cant frown back the sunshine 
 
 That's missing from the sky. 
 Nor frown away the winter 
 
 In wishing it were spring. 
 The wisest thing to do, my friend, 
 
 Is just keep sweet — and sing ! 
 
 Don't fret, and fume, and worry, 
 
 And make things worse, say I, 
 Since we can't help what's happened; 
 
 So laugh away the sigh, 
 And trust that on the morrow 
 
 The clouds will all take wing, 
 Believing God knows what is best; 
 
 So just keep sweet — and sing ! 
 
 Eben E. Rexford. 
 
 Our Father, we thank Thee for the life and light 
 of this day, for the rest and strength which Thou hast 
 given us. We trust Thee and know Thou wilt care 
 for us in the night as in the day, and in the morning 
 we shall be still with Thee. Help us to put away 
 from our minds all anxious care and to go to our 
 nightly sleep in tranquillity and rise from our slumber 
 strengthened for the new duties that are before us. 
 May there be in us such love of Thee that we shall joy 
 in Thy service, and keep every law which Thou 
 hast given us in body, mind and spirit now and ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 Charles A. Hayden-
 
 (DCtOfcCV 15 291 
 
 Do well thy part 
 
 With hand and heart, 
 
 Nor let dull care 
 
 Thy spirit wear; 
 And when thou feel'st how poor and weak thou art, 
 Lean thou thy head on God's almighty heart. 
 
 The fight is long, 
 
 The foe is strong; 
 
 Thy strength is small 
 
 And fears appall; 
 Fret not thyself to know how soon the strife will end, 
 For thou may st safely leave it all to God, thy Friend. 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 O God our Father and our mother too, Thou art 
 nearer to us tonight than the air we breathe. Help 
 us to realize that the everlasting arms are underneath 
 and that so long as we trust in Thee no real harm 
 can befall us. Help us to know Thee as Lord of the 
 day and of the night also. Grant us refreshing sleep 
 now as we lay us down and so live in us tomorrow 
 that the divine incarnation may be perpetuated and 
 that our unselfish conduct may make Thee visible 
 to some who otherwise would never understand 
 Thee. Give us patience and courage. Keep us 
 brave and true. Teach us all the lessons Thou wilt 
 have us learn, and when our earth's school days are 
 over, when the shadows fall and it is time for us to 
 go home, grant, O Blessed Master, that we may 
 awake from that sleep we miscall death in Thine 
 arms and in Thy likeness too. For Thy sweet name's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 Dillon Bronson.
 
 292 (Dctotitr 16 
 
 From Thee is all that soothes the life of man, — 
 His high endeavor, and his glad success, 
 His strength to suffer, and his will to serve. 
 But oh, Thou bounteous Giver of all good, 
 Thou art of all Thy gifts Thyself the crown ! 
 Give what Thou canst, without Thee we are poor, 
 And with Thee rich, take what Thou wilt away. 
 
 Cowper. 
 
 O God, Our Father, another day of life is gone. 
 Thou didst give it, like all Thy gifts, not to keep, 
 but only to use. That which we tried to keep for 
 self alone already fadeth with the light of day. That 
 which we tried to use in service abideth, we trust, 
 in riches of the soul, a heavenly treasure to bless 
 each coming day. We thank Thee, Lord, for the 
 tasks that challenge all our powers, for the triumph 
 and the spirit that in the triumph makes us more 
 than conquerors; for sin's aftermath of forgiveness 
 and the tried gold of character which is more than 
 innocence, for both the good and ill of life and the 
 promise of the wheat that remaineth after the thresh- 
 ing of the years; for all which Thou hast given 
 without and the more upon more which Thou hast 
 given within, we thank Thee. Amen. 
 
 Charles S. Hager.
 
 dHtotJcr 17 293 
 
 Not they who soar, but they who plod 
 Their rugged way, unhelped, to God, 
 Are heroes; they who higher fare, 
 And, flying, fan the upper air, 
 Miss all the toil that hugs the sod. 
 'Tis they whose backs have felt the rod, 
 Whose feet have pressed the path unshod, 
 May smile upon defeated care, 
 Not they who soar ! 
 
 High up there are no thorns to prod, 
 Nor boulders lurking 'neath the clod 
 To turn the keenness of the share, 
 For flight is ever free and rare; 
 But heroes they the sot! who've trod. 
 Not they who soar ! 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar. 
 
 Thou with whom there is no great or small, 
 No high or low, I thank Thee for the path 
 
 By which Thy love hath led my feet today. 
 When it was rough, if I but thought of Thee, 
 
 1 felt Thee near and straight was strong and glad, 
 When I have lack'd for strength, it was my fault, 
 In that I did not trust Thee as I should. 
 
 Now will I lay me down as in Thine arms, 
 And trust Thee for the night, — all time to come, 
 With all that it may bring: it can but be 
 The best my heart can wish to live in Thee. 
 
 Amen. 
 II. G. Mitchell.
 
 294 dHtofctr 18 
 
 "Hope Thou in God," seems to me the key with 
 which to unlock all mysteries, the light with which 
 to drive away all shadows, the warmth with which 
 to melt all the snows of life. Hope is the interpretation 
 of sorrow and of sin. Winter comes, the frost touches 
 with its blight the things I love, storms arise, pestilence 
 rages, friends forsake me, death strikes down those I 
 hold dear, while of the meaning of it all I know so 
 little ! But let me only believe in a Father who knows 
 all about it, who loves me, and I can wait patiently 
 upon His will. O this is God's world; all the needed 
 reforms are God's reforms; all the necessary battles 
 are God's battles! Patience then ! "Hope thou in 
 God." 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Most merciful God, in all the changing scenes of 
 life, in joy, in sorrow, in light and darkness, in pros- 
 perity and adversity, in sunshine and shadow, in 
 calm and storm, our hope is in Thee, the living 
 God. Captives of sin, we hope for deliverance; 
 walking often in mist and gloom, we hope for light; 
 tempest-tossed, we hope for the sunlit harbor; wander- 
 ing and prodigal children, we hope to reach the 
 Father's house. Strengthen, we beseech Thee, our 
 hope, and clarify our vision of spiritual things. 
 Turn our expectation into fact, our hope into reality, 
 and help us to wait patiently and to work well for 
 the advancement of the kingdom until the day dawm 
 and the shadows flee away. Amen. 
 
 David G. Wylie.
 
 ©ttotirr 19 295 
 
 Millet's " Angelus " does not present some great 
 general, or hero, or martyr. It includes a potato 
 patch, a few brown clods, a large rake, with two peasants 
 in humble garb. These peasants, however, have 
 accepted their task and their temperament. Above 
 all else, they love each other, and they love and trust 
 God. When the evening bell rings, in beautiful resigna- 
 tion and in happy hope they bow their heads in 
 gratitude to the unseen Father. And the happiness 
 in their hearts appears upon their faces in the moment 
 the setting sun falls upon them with heaven s own tender 
 benediction. For, a heart gentle and sweet can flood 
 with spiritual beauty the anvil, the yardstick, the 
 plow, until all tools and tasks become sacramental and 
 divine. 
 
 Newell Dwight Hillis. 
 
 Our Father, in the glory of the day's retreating 
 hours, we too bow reverently before Thee. We 
 bring for Thy supervision, our unfinished tasks. 
 As Thou lookest upon them, be patient with our 
 imperfect service and pardon our mistakes. Help 
 us to do better work on the morrow if in Thy grace 
 we are to have its added privilege afield with Thee. 
 Somehow the sense of Thy presence brings relief 
 to the heart. The things which stood out in the 
 hard lines of the noon are softened in the shadows 
 of the evening, as we look to Thee. The vesper song 
 of Thy comforting word brings peace and rest to 
 our tired spirit, and this companionship with the 
 Christ of our faith transforms our humble estate 
 into heavenly likenesses. May it be so for us always 
 until toiling days are done. Amen. 
 
 Claude Kelly.
 
 296 dKtotor 20 
 
 The man who does not hope for better things, and 
 does not believe that better things can be brought about, 
 is not the man likely to bring better things about. . . . 
 Pessimism is productive of paralysis and stagnation. 
 
 William H. Taft. 
 
 Never give way to melancholy. Nothing en- 
 croaches more. I fight against it vigorously. One 
 great remedy is, to take short views of life. Are you 
 happy now? Are you likely to remain so till tomorrow 
 or next month, or next year ? Then why destroy 
 present happiness by a distant misery which may 
 never come at all, or you may never live to see ? For 
 every substantial grief has twenty shadows, and many 
 of them shadows of your own making. 
 
 Sydney Smith. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that we 
 have lived another blessed day. Thou hast permitted 
 us to bring to a close our daily tasks with peace and 
 serenity. Thou lettest the curtains of the night fall 
 gently around us, and callest us to rest. We yield 
 ourselves to the unconsciousness of sleep confident 
 that Thou who never slumberest nor sleepest wilt 
 guard us and wake us to another useful and happy 
 morning. Let no impending gloom cloud our vision. 
 Help us to make the most of present blessings, and 
 strive to renew them from hour to hour and from 
 day to day. Let us be evermore Thy loving children, 
 serving Thee with willing hearts. Amen. 
 E. M. Grant.
 
 <«Dctolietr 21 297 
 
 One who went singing on the long highroad 
 Upon his shoulders bore a heavy load. 
 
 A sobbing child delayed him with its clinging, — 
 Tender, low, and strangely sweet his singing. 
 
 And when he shared a drooping comrade's ills, 
 His song rose cheerily to meet the hills. 
 
 A woman walked beside him for a space; 
 
 He bore her load, and matched her feeble pace. 
 
 Then laborers in distant fields stood still 
 
 To hear his song, and felt their hearts athrill. 
 
 Footsore, he plodded on through evening dew; 
 Yet still his song rose bravely to the blue. 
 
 May Turner. 
 
 We will sing unto Thee, O Lord, a new song: we 
 will praise Thee for Thy goodness unto the children 
 of men: for Thou who hast given power unto the 
 faint will quicken in us the spirit of wisdom and 
 of might, the spirit of hope and of joy. In all times 
 of sorrow and in all times of burden bearing Thou 
 wilt keep our hearts from failing and our minds 
 from fear: Thy mercy and Thy loving kindness 
 endure forever and none of them that put their 
 trust in Thee shall be desolate. O Thou lover of 
 souls, keep our faith in Thee supreme, I pray Thee, 
 so that in all our days we may be full of cheer and 
 in all our nights we may know Thy peace. Amen. 
 
 Thomas Van Ness.
 
 298 ©ctotor 22 
 
 Til not confer with sorrow till tomorrow, but joy shall 
 have her way this very day. 
 
 T. B. Aldrich. 
 
 While I sought happiness, she fed 
 
 Before me constantly; 
 Weary, I turned to duty's path, 
 
 And happiness sought me, 
 Saying, "I walk this road today, 
 
 Til bear thee company." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 O Father in Heaven, who hast given us life that 
 we might glorify Thee, and therein find the joy of 
 life, we give Thee thanks for Thy purpose in our 
 creation and for Thy continual blessings, fresh each 
 morning and renewed at eventide. Be pleased to 
 hear our prayer, to inspire us anew with the grace 
 of Thy guidance. Make duty plain in our sight and 
 grant us strength to follow in the highway of service, 
 turning from all by and forbidden paths, that so 
 the coming day may be one of happiness and peace, 
 walking in the faith and fellowship of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 Frederick Harlan Page.
 
 dntofrcr 23 299 
 
 ' Better than grandeur, better than gold, 
 Than rank and title a thousandfold, 
 Is a healthy body, a mind at ease, 
 And simple manners that always please, 
 A heart that can feel for another's woe, 
 And share his joys with a genial glow, — 
 With sympathies large enough to enfold 
 All men as brothers — is better than gold." 
 
 One's chieftest duty here below 
 
 Is not the seeming great to do, 
 
 That the vain world may pause to see, 
 
 But in steadfast humility 
 
 To walk the common walk, and bear 
 
 The thousand things, the trifling care, 
 
 In love, with wisdom, patiently. 
 
 Thus each one in his narrow groove 
 
 The great world nearer God may move. 
 
 Matthew Hunt. 
 
 O Lord, we love to love Thee, Thy yoke is easy, 
 Thy burden light. Bearing them we find rtst for 
 our souls. Thou forgivest our sins. Thou helpest 
 our weakness, Thou rememberest that we are dust. 
 We bless and magnify Thy name. But we know that 
 prayer and praise are acceptable only as they lead 
 to service. ^Ye can minister unto Thee only as we 
 help the helpless, cheer the sorrowing, lift up the 
 fallen. Oh, how good, how merciful, how gracious 
 Thou art! May every knee bow and every tongue 
 confess Thee! Amen. 
 
 David H. Moore.
 
 3oo <5)ttofotr 24 
 
 Be not much troubled about many things, 
 Fear often hath no whit of substance in it, 
 
 And lives but just a minute; 
 While from the very snow the wheat-blade springs. 
 
 And light is like a flower, 
 That bursts in full leaf from the darkest hour. 
 
 And He who made the night, 
 Made, too, the flowery sweetness of the light, 
 Be it thy task, through His good grace, to win it. 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, the Father of lights, with 
 whom there are no shadows, we thank Thee for our 
 daylight in which to work and our night in which to 
 rest. Graciously pardon our sins this day and guard 
 our slumbers this night. As we enter shadows of 
 discipline, teach us not to be afraid of the dark, 
 for to Thee the darkness and the light are both alike. 
 May perfect love take away all our fears. When 
 placed in darkened rooms that our spiritual vision, 
 diseased by sin, may be prepared for the coming 
 glory, may we have with us the Great Physician to 
 heal and to comfort us. In due season bring us to 
 heaven's eternal day. Amen. 
 
 WlLLARD T. PERRIN.
 
 (Dctofcer 25 3°! 
 
 / think we are too ready with complaint 
 In this fair world of God's. 
 Be comforted ! 
 And like a cheerful traveler, take the road, 
 
 Singing beside the hedge ! What if the bread 
 Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod 
 
 To meet the flints ? At least it may be said, 
 " Because the way ts short, I thank Thee, God." 
 Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, our Father, that it has been 
 ours this day, to live " Where cross the crowded 
 ways of life " and that Thou hast not put us here to 
 play, to dream, to drift, but that we have hard work 
 to do, — loads to lift. Help us in the busy life we 
 lead to keep ourselves open to the skies as did the 
 Shepherds on Bethlehem's plain. We desire to be 
 faithful in the performance of these daily tasks, yet 
 not so closely bound by them as to miss the splendors 
 of the upper world. Give to us wisdom so to order 
 our lives that we shall neither fail to hear the Angel's 
 song nor slight the Shepherd's task. In the name of 
 Him who perfectly lived the earth life and yet obeyed 
 the vision of heaven, we ask it. Amen. 
 
 Julian S. Wadsworth.
 
 302 #ctotier 26 
 
 If / had the time to find a place 
 And sit me down full face to face 
 
 With my better self, that cannot show 
 
 In my daily life that rushes so : 
 It might be then I would see my soul 
 Was stumbling still towards the shining goal, 
 
 I might be nerved by the thought sublime, — 
 // / had the time ! 
 
 If I had the time to let my heart 
 Speak out and in my life take a part, 
 To look about and to stretch a hand 
 To a comrade quartered in no-luck land; 
 Ah, God ! If I might but just sit still 
 And hear the note of the whip-poor-will, 
 
 I think that my wish with God's would rhyme, — 
 // / had the time ! 
 
 Richard Burton. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the gift 
 of the Holy Spirit, which has filled our hearts this 
 day and enabled us to live in close touch with Thee, 
 and so in close touch with humanity. Grant we 
 beseech Thee a blessing upon every word we have 
 spoken this day, that it may prove a message of 
 cheer to some fainting soul, — every smile we have 
 given that it may come as a light of hope to a cheerless 
 heart — every note that we have written to a friend 
 in distant lands, longing for home and love of kindred 
 souls. Take us all in Thy keeping, as the night 
 closes about us and we are one day's journey nearer 
 to that fair city where angels sing — " There shall 
 be no night there." Amen. 
 
 Winfield Scott.
 
 October 27 303 
 
 / am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true; 
 I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up 
 to what light I have. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln. 
 
 Honest love, honest sorrow, 
 Honest work for the day, honest hope for the morrow, 
 Are these worth nothing more than the hand they make 
 
 weary, 
 The heart they have saddened, the life they leave dreary ? 
 Hush ! the sevenfold heavens to the voice of the Spirit 
 Echo, " He that o'ercometh shall all things inherit ! " 
 
 Owen Meredith. 
 
 God of the still, cool darkness, after the labor and 
 care of the hours of light, lay Thy soothing hand 
 upon our tense and fevered spirits that we may 
 relax from strain and allow the overtaxed pulse to 
 subside to a peaceful rhythm. Have our endeavors 
 and experiences this day wrought out profit or proved 
 impotent for true gain ? Thou alone knowest; our 
 standards are so faulty we cannot tell. Of one thing 
 alone are we humbly sure; in thought, in feeling, 
 in purpose, we have striven to be nobly sincere, 
 searchingly honest. The issue is Thine; we would 
 leave it in Thy hands without misgiving, for there 
 is a cheering whisper in our deeper hearts that even 
 our halting, faulty best, because it is our best, is 
 not in vain. Close our eyes! Good night! Thou 
 watchest, and all is well. Amen. 
 Thomas W. Illman.
 
 304 (kctofm; 28 
 
 My little four year old boy lay sick and restless, fever- 
 flushed at night, while I lay beside him in the dark. 
 Every now and then the child half sleeping, half 
 waking, would speak out, " Fadder! " " Yes, dear" 
 the answer came. Hello, Fadder," the little one would 
 say and drop again to sleep. Thus it is that we, 
 children all, fever-flushed and troubled, as if in dreams, 
 call out "Father" in the dark. He answers, " Yes, 
 dear, I am here" and in Him we find peace and rest. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, how sweet it is to feel that 
 Thou art ever near enough to hear our troubled 
 cry! We are often tired, sick or lonely. We are tried 
 beyond our strength. We sometimes fail and deem 
 the struggle useless. Then like the little child in 
 troubled dreams crying out for love, we come to 
 Thee. Nor do we come to Thee in vain. Thou 
 speakest, if hearts will listen, in tones more tender 
 than those of mother love. O speak to us tonight 
 and give us peace. Amen. 
 
 Florence H. Perin.
 
 October 20 305 
 
 Pity me not: it makes me pitiful. 
 
 Grieve not for me; 'twill see me grieving, too. 
 Come not forbodingly, but courageful, 
 
 And speak the shining word that's strong and true. 
 
 If you would have me fearless, have no fears; 
 
 If you would have me light and sorrow-free, 
 Then give your steps the music of the spheres, 
 
 Make your eye steadfast as eternity. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Dear Father, we thank Thee for the faith, the hope 
 and the love Thou hast implanted in our souls, that 
 enables us to be brave and tender, strong and patient 
 at all times and seasons. And we thank Thee for 
 that splendid courage that is our inheritance from 
 Thee, by and through which we may pass through 
 the Valley of the Shadows of sorrow and loss un- 
 harmed, aye! even triumphant. And help us to 
 give to those about us something better than pity. 
 Help us to give courage to endure, faith to believe 
 that Thy guiding hand is leading, and to feel assured 
 that all is well. Help us that in thought and word 
 and deed we may be to others a source of good cheer 
 and courage. Amen. 
 
 Florence Kollock Crookek.
 
 306 (DttOfJCV 30 
 
 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; 
 for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will 
 help thee. 
 
 Isaiah xli. io. 
 
 / have talked with old colored men, who, storm- 
 driven, have gone to God, because they had nothing 
 else to go to, and who had a richness -and wonderfulness 
 of experience that I had no parallel to myself, though 
 I was a preacher, and my business was to study. A 
 God that you have studied out can never be such a 
 God as you have felt out. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Be Thou my guide, and I will walk in darkness 
 As one who treads the beamy heights of day, 
 
 Feeling a gladness amidst desert sadness, 
 And breathing vernal fragrance all the way. 
 
 Be Thou my wealth, and reft of all besides Thee, 
 I will forget the strife for meaner things, 
 
 Blessed in the sweetness of Thy rare completeness, 
 And opulent beyond the dream of kings. 
 
 Be Thou my strength, O lowly One and saintly. 
 
 And, though unvisioned ills about me throng, 
 Though danger woo me and deceit pursue me, 
 
 Yet in the thought of Thee I will be strong. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 Florence Earle Coates.
 
 ©ctotirr 31 307 
 
 Finish every day and be done with it. You have 
 done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, 
 no doubt, crept in; forget them as soon as you can. 
 Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, 
 and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your 
 old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. 
 It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste 
 a moment on the yesterdays. 
 
 Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
 
 Father, I scarcely dare to pray, 
 So clear I see, now it is done, 
 That I have wasted half my day 
 And left my work but just begun. 
 
 So clear, I see, what I thought 
 Was right, or harmless, was a sin, 
 So clear, I see, that I have sought 
 Unconscious, selfish aims to win. 
 
 So clear, I see, that I have hurt 
 The souls I thought to win, or save, 
 That I have selfish been, inert, 
 Deaf to the call my Leader gave. 
 
 In outskirts of Thy kingdom, vast, 
 Father, the humblest spot give me. 
 Set me the lowliest task Thou hast. 
 Let me, repentant, work for Thee. 
 
 Helen Hunt Tackson.
 
 3o8 TXfofoemtjer l 
 
 Once the daisies gold and white 
 Sea-like through the meadows rolled: 
 Once my heart could hardly hold 
 All its pleasures, — / remember, 
 In the flood of youth's delight 
 Separate joys were lost to sight. 
 That was summer ! Now November 
 Sets the perfect flower apart; 
 Gives each blossom of the heart 
 Meaning, beauty, grace unknown, — 
 Blooming late and all alone. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Dear Father of us all, Thou makest the outgoings 
 of the mornJng and of the evening to rejoice, and 
 visitest with equal favor the early and the later year. 
 In this evening of an autumn day we thank Thee 
 for Thy varied gifts, — for swift, changing, multitu- 
 dinous gifts which make glad the eager, uncritical 
 heart of youth; for detailed perfection which satisfies 
 the discriminating needs of wise maturity. Help 
 us, we pray Thee, so that our varied tastes and bless- 
 ings may not separate us one from another. On 
 the other hand, move us to such appreciation of the 
 common Source of all our joys that we may be kept, 
 like the parts of the day, like the parts of the year, in 
 perfect unity. In everything keep Thou us; through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Charles R. Tenney.
 
 ISTotirmlicr 2 309 
 
 When I heard the learn' d astronomer, 
 
 When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns 
 before me, 
 
 When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, 
 divide, and measure them, 
 
 When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lec- 
 tured with much applause in the lecture room, 
 
 How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, 
 
 Till rising and gliding out I wander d off by myself, 
 
 In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to 
 time, 
 
 Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars. 
 
 Walt Whitman. 
 
 O God of the heavens, wherever we look for sup- 
 port and consolation out of Thee, we find nothing 
 but weakness and distress: and if Thou dost not 
 revive, strengthen and illuminate, deliver and pre- 
 serve me, the friendship of mankind can give no 
 consolation, the strength of the mighty brings no 
 support, the counsel of the wise, and the labors of 
 the learned, impart no instruction, the treasures of 
 the earth purchase no deliverance, and the most 
 secret places afford no protection. All persons and 
 things that seem to promise peace and happiness 
 are in themselves vanity and nothing, and subvert 
 the hope that is built upon them: but Thou art the 
 supreme, essential, and final good; the perfection of 
 life, light, and love! Unto Thee do we lift up our 
 eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens! In Thee, 
 the Father of Mercies, we place all our confidence! 
 Amen. 
 
 Thomas a Kempis.
 
 3 io "Notmutjcr 3 
 
 Just whistle a bit, if the night be drear 
 
 And the stars refuse to shine; 
 And a gleam that mocks the starlight clear 
 
 Within you glows benign. 
 
 Till the dearth of light in the glooming skies 
 Is lost to the sight of your soul-lit eyes. 
 What matters the absence of moon or star ? 
 The light within is the best by far. 
 
 Just whistle a bit, if your heart be sore, 
 
 'Tts a wonderful balm for pain. 
 Just pipe some old melody o'er and o'er 
 
 Till it soothes like summer rain. 
 
 Paul Laurence Dunbar. 
 
 For the glory of the day, O God, we thank Thee; 
 for the gracious peace of the night we are grateful, 
 for Thou art in both, and we are never separated 
 from Thee. Sometimes we see Thee better in the 
 darkness than in the day, if we but open our eyes to 
 the light of Thy glory, our lips with music in Thy 
 praise, and our hearts to receive Thy love. In the 
 confidence and joy of Thy conscious presence with 
 us, may we find peace in this night, which, like the 
 day, is Thy dwelling place and the home of Thy 
 loving children. Amen. 
 
 Frederick A. Bisbee.
 
 ttfotoemtor 4 311 
 
 From the vexed shore I watched the storming main; 
 The trembling earth recoiled and shook again 
 As from the blows of some gigantic hand 
 That hurled the billows high upon the strand. 
 Rejoicing, thought I: " Mighty though thou art, 
 Less mighty thou, O Sea, than man's brave heart. 
 Thou canst not heave thy raging waves so high 
 But some proud keel thy fury will defy; 
 Thou hast no depths so gloomy or profound 
 Man with his daring plummet may not sound, 
 And while thy tempests and tornadoes roar 
 He whispers through the deep, from shore to shore." 
 Henry Nehemiah Dodge. 
 
 Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast 
 made us in Thine own image, our hearts are full of 
 gratitude for all Thy manifold blessings, but above 
 all that Thou hast endowed our humanity with 
 something of the same marvelous power which makes 
 Thee our God and Sovereign Lord. We thank Thee 
 that no wreck or storm, no disaster or defeat, no 
 pain or sorrow has power to overwhelm us, if through 
 faith we keep our heart reverently open to Thy power 
 and love. Thou hast made us only a little lower than 
 the angels and given us dominion over the earth. 
 O grant us mastery over these hearts and wills of 
 ours that we may make them Thine, humbly obedient 
 to Thy every command. Amen. 
 
 James F. Albion.
 
 3i2 tKTofocm&cr 5 
 
 Angel Night! Come close! My weary form 
 With your star-beauteous draperies enfold ! 
 
 Lay firmly on my hot, day-wrinkled brow 
 Tour palms, compassionate and cold. 
 
 Untwine the discontented, tangled thoughts, 
 Show to my eyes the steady, blinding light 
 
 Of the All-Spirit! Teach my tired heart 
 To rest in Love's unchanging night! 
 
 Help me to find the calm that buries self 
 
 And frees the soul to regions pure and high; 
 
 Teach me the inner loveliness of life 
 And how sublime it is to die! 
 
 Warn me, — while waiting on that sacred hour 
 For which I breathe, — to live so that my best 
 
 Alone survives! But now, — just now — dear Night, 
 Give me your kiss of rest! 
 
 Mary Vicario. 
 
 Heavenly Father, as children that are hurt are 
 caught in the bosom of a mother's love and hushed, 
 and scarcely know what hath comforted them, or 
 what strange joy hath befallen them, so be pleased 
 to fulfil that declaration that Thy love and remem- 
 brance are more than a mother's, and take into the 
 arms of divine consolation those that need Thee, 
 that they may be hushed in Thy bosom, and find 
 there that peace which passeth all understanding. 
 Amen. 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher.
 
 Notomticr o 3*3 
 
 We're old folks now, companion, 
 
 Our heads, they are growing gray; 
 But taking the year, all round, my dear, 
 
 You always will find the May. 
 We've had our May, my darling, 
 
 And our roses, long ago; 
 And the time of the year is come, my dear, 
 
 For the silent night and the snow. 
 
 And God is God, my darling, 
 
 Of night as well as of day, 
 And we feel and know that we can go 
 
 Wherever He leads the way. 
 Aye! God of the night, my darling, — 
 
 Of the night of death so grim: 
 And the gate that from life leads out, good wife, 
 
 Is the gate that leads to Him! 
 
 Alice Cary. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we rejoice in the thought 
 that in Thine economy there is no night, no winter, 
 no despair, no old age. Whether our hair be white 
 or black, our step be strong and elastic or feeble and 
 halting, we are just Thy children only beginning life. 
 Let us put our hands in thine hopefully as if starting 
 upon a long journey and trustfully as those who are 
 not afraid, and with strength of purpose as those 
 who walk with God. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 3 i4 :Notoemf>tr 7 
 
 In the secluded garden of Christ's College, at Cam- 
 bridge, there is a mulberry-tree of which tradition says 
 that it was planted by John Milton in his student 
 days. I remember sitting on the green turf below it, a 
 few years ago, and looking up at the branches, heavy 
 with age, and propped on crutches, and wondering 
 to see that the old tree still brought fruit. It was not 
 the size nor the quality of the fruit that impressed me. 
 I hardly thought of that. The strange thing, the 
 beautiful thing, was that, after so many years, the tree 
 was yet bearing. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Our Father, who art in heaven; we thank Thee 
 that, whether we be young and strong or old and 
 weak, happy in the midst of friends or longing for 
 faces out of sight, enduring temptation or triumphant 
 after trial, we have it always within our power to 
 make known in our daily living the spirit of the Mas- 
 ter's gospel. To do this is to bless the world around 
 us, and please Thee, and add content unto our own 
 hearts. May we rest in peace this night, our Father, 
 and awake tomorrow grateful and trustful, glad to 
 live another day and do Thy will. Amen. 
 
 Charles H. Puffer.
 
 Notoemticr 8 315 
 
 No longer forward nor behind 
 
 I look in hope or fear; 
 But, grateful, take the good I find, 
 
 The best of now and here. 
 All as God wills, who wisely heeds 
 
 To give or to withhold, 
 And knoweth more of all my needs 
 
 Than all my prayers have told. 
 
 John Greenleaf Whittier. 
 
 There is a sense in which the life of every man, how- 
 ever spiritually stifled by the poisonous atmosphere of 
 the degradation in which he lives, is held in the grip 
 of God, hidden in the bosom of God, the object of God's 
 care and God's responsibility, though, as yet, he knows 
 it not, as the unborn child knows not how near it is 
 to the mother's beating heart. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 All-loving God, who hast made rich with oppor- 
 tunity the hours of this day, and hast opened our 
 eyes to see the smile upon the face of duty, in the 
 hours of rest give us the noble satisfaction which came 
 through the memory of service. If we have seemed 
 to accomplish little, may we remember that every 
 just and loving act has made us co-laborers with 
 Thee. Save us from the discouragements which are 
 Thy judgments upon selfishness, and give us a sense 
 of the grandeur, the glory and the eternal value of the 
 life which sees itself as a part of Thine infinite pur- 
 pose. With the joy that Thou art with us may we 
 rest in peace this night. Amen. 
 
 Harris G. Hale.
 
 316 Notoemtott: 9 
 
 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew 
 not; I will lead them in paths that they have not 
 known: I will make darkness light before them, and 
 crooked things straight. These things will I do unto 
 them, and not forsake them. 
 
 Isaiah xlii. 16. 
 
 God! Thou art love! I build my faith on that! 
 . . . So doth Thy right hand guide us through the 
 
 world 
 Wherein we stumble. God! What shall we say? 
 
 . . . He erred, — ■ 
 Save htm, dear God; it will be like Thee: bathe him 
 In light and life! Thou art not made like us: 
 We should be wroth in such a case: but Thou 
 Forgwest. 
 
 Robert Browning. 
 
 Abide with us, that we may feel that our sins are 
 forgiven. Abide with us, for we see in the past our 
 follies and our faults, and would wrong no more. 
 Abide with us as we lie down to gentle sleep, that 
 it may be gentle and refreshing to us, that pure 
 thoughts may keep the portals of our dreams, and 
 God's blessing hold watch over us. Amen. 
 
 E. H. Chapin.
 
 Xotoemftcr 10 31; 
 
 A happy disposition is largely a disposition to make 
 others happy. One life permeates all things, and there 
 is no corner of the cosmos too remote to feel its heart 
 throb. 
 
 Henry Wood. 
 
 Hast thou no ray of inborn light 
 
 To make some shadowed life more bright ? 
 
 Then be a lens! Catch every gleam. 
 And flash it on, a shining beam! 
 
 Sunshine reflected can illume 
 The darkest corner of a room! 
 
 Aldis Dunbar. 
 
 Master of Life, we thank Thee for the gift of life. 
 This day has carried us a little deeper into its mys- 
 tery. Joy and pain, knowledge and ignorance, have 
 come to us out of the infinite. But the heart of the 
 mystery is Thy friendship for us. And Thy friendship 
 knits our knowledge and our ignorance, our joy 
 and our pain, into a seamless robe of the spirit. The 
 light of the sun has gladdened our eyes. The light 
 of Thy love has gladdened our souls. With hearts 
 aglow with gratitude and trust, we lay ourselves to 
 rest, praying that on the morrow we may wake up 
 after Thy likeness, eager to serve our fellows, and in 
 renewed hope of the life eternal. Amen. 
 
 Henry S. Nash.
 
 318 Xotamfcer n 
 
 Opportunities do not come with their values stamped 
 upon them. Every one must be challenged. A day 
 dawns quite like other days; in it a single hour comes, 
 quite like other hours; but in that day and in that hour 
 the chance of a lifetime faces us. To face every oppor- 
 tunity of life thoughtfully, and ask its meaning frankly 
 and earnestly, is the only way to meet the supreme 
 opportunities, when they come, whether open-faced or 
 disguised. 
 
 Maltbie D. Babcock. 
 
 Eternal Father, who dost cause the outgoing of 
 the morning and evening to rejoice; whose mercy is 
 new every morning, and fresh every evening, grant 
 that the close of the day may bring rest and peace 
 to spirits weary and troubled. May the quiet night 
 be beautiful with the shining of the stars. If the 
 record of the day show imperfection and failure, do 
 Thou forgive; if it show success, and worthy accom- 
 plishment, then Thine be the glory. Give a proper 
 outlook upon time, and upon eternity, the power to 
 set things in right relations, and to estimate and 
 compare values. Help in the realization of every 
 noble ideal, and the fulfilment of every holy purpose, 
 and at evening time may it be light. Amen. 
 Walter D. Cole.
 
 'Notamlitr 12 3^ 
 
 I've got a gray hair somewhere; . . . I am old. . . . 
 And yet I feel, today, like a child. . . . 
 
 I am a child. God's child, with His eternity before 
 me, and the good in it that I have been waiting for 
 . . . all these years. 
 
 Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney. 
 
 What will you say to the old man whose friends have 
 scattered, whose fortune has taken wings and whose life 
 is embittered ? I do not know what you will say. But 
 I know what I will say. I will say to him: " Never 
 mind, old man; in God's economy there is no old age. 
 Each man is just a child of God. Put your hand in 
 God's hand and do not be afraid." 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 To us, O God, the passing of another day is the 
 shortening of the span of human life, but to Thee 
 a thousand years are but as a single day. The body, 
 as life goes on, bears the scars of years, but it is only 
 the house in which we live and the soul never feels 
 the infirmities of age. It is downed with eternal 
 youth. May we so realize Thy protecting care that 
 we may know that if this earthly house be wasted 
 with the years, we have another home, a house not 
 made with hands, and if increasing years unclothe 
 us of our strength, it is not that we shall be naked, 
 but clothed upon. So may we in faith and hope 
 and trust lie down to refreshing sleep and pleasant 
 dreams. Amen. 
 
 Almon Gunnison.
 
 32o 'Notoemtjcv 13 
 
 Every day look at a beautiful picture, read a beautiful 
 poem, listen to beautiful music, and, if possible, say 
 some reasonable thing. 
 
 Goethe. 
 
 Don't hang a dismal picture on the wall, and do not 
 daub with sables and glooms in your conversation. 
 Don't be a cynic and disconsolate preacher. Don't 
 bewail and bemoan. Omit the negative propositions. 
 Nerve us with incessant affirmatives. Don't waste 
 yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but 
 chant the beauty of the good. 
 
 Ralph Waldo Emerson. 
 
 O Thou most loving Father, we thank Thee for 
 the sweet picture we hang upon the walls of memory this 
 evening hour, painted so delicately and beautifully 
 as to be a living inspiration, lending rich cheer to 
 our thought and conversation, and that gladness of 
 spirit which transforms touches of sorrow into gleams 
 of joy. We thank Thee that Thou hast led us along 
 the roadway of helpfulness this day ! Where we 
 found the Christ coming to us in some disconsolate 
 life, and our word was the touch that opened the 
 door and let in beams of light to that troubled soul. 
 We pray that we may ever be able to sound notes 
 of music in other lives, that will make melody through 
 the years, and life sweeter and richer thereby. Wher- 
 ever we go may we create sunshine in the world, 
 that its warmth may bathe the lives of those around 
 us, and make pleasant paths for them to walk in. 
 Amen. 
 
 Moses H. Harris.
 
 TSTotocwticr 14 321 
 
 It is the mind that maketh good or ill, 
 That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor; 
 For some that hath abundance at his will 
 Hath not enough, but wants in greatest store; 
 And other that hath little asks no more, 
 But in that little is both rich and wise; 
 For wisdom is most riches; fools therefore 
 They are, which fortunes do by vows devise; 
 Sith each unto himself his life may fortunise. 
 
 Spenser. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for another 
 day, for life and strength and opportunity, for all 
 the blessings of our outward being. But we thank 
 Thee far more for that divinity within us that has 
 enabled us to use these things for some higher attain- 
 ment of spiritual excellence, or in their absence to 
 grasp and hold the loftier life, and even in poverty 
 and failure to be rich and blest. For whatever we 
 have attained, for all we have been able to do for 
 others, we give Thee thanks. And now, assured that 
 in future days Thou wilt be still our guide and the 
 light upon our way, we commit ourselves in sleep 
 to Thy faithful keeping, content to know that when 
 we awake we shall be still with Thee. Amen. 
 J. Smith Dodge.
 
 322 :tfotmut>cr 15 
 
 Sometimes, I think, the things we see 
 Are shadows of the things to be; 
 
 That what we plan we build; 
 That every hope that hath been crossed, 
 That every dream we thought was lost, 
 
 In Heaven shall be fulfilled. 
 
 Phoebe Cary. 
 
 There shall never he one lost good; what was shall 
 
 live as before; 
 The evil is null, is naught, is silence implying sound; 
 What was good shall be good, with, for evil, so much 
 
 good more; 
 On the earth, the broken arcs; in the heaven a perfect 
 
 round. 
 
 Robert Browning. 
 
 Patient Father, bless to our good the day's inter- 
 ruptions. So little remains cf our day's plans at 
 evening time. Counter currents have beset us and 
 our work seems so broken and incomplete. But 
 Lord, our incompleteness fits the pattern of Thy 
 purpose. The currents that thwart our day are 
 poured from the hollow of Thy hand. Give us 
 patience to take all of life as from Thee. Save us 
 from insistence on our own way as best. May we 
 recognize the gentle pressure of the Father's guiding 
 hand, and may we know that the pieces of our broken 
 life are being gathered up into His completeness. 
 Thus may we rest in Thee. May our confidence 
 in Thy never-failing goodness bring us peace. We 
 now lie down to rest. May we sleep sweetly while 
 Thou dost knit up our ravelings of the day. Amen. 
 
 W. D. Platt.
 
 Xotonufccv 10 323 
 
 What is the very sweetest memory of childhood ? 
 Let me put it into a picture: the day is done. The 
 evening shadows are falling rapidly over field and wood 
 and home. The tired limbs have come from school and 
 finished play, and the shadow of the great world has 
 made shadows in a tired little heart. Then, with a true 
 instinct, you have sought the old rocking chair beside 
 the fire where mother sits, and you have climbed into 
 her lap and nestled your head against her bosom. 
 No lesson now, no play, no toil. You sit there, and 
 do not say a word, while the great love of the mother s 
 heart flows into your heart and gives you peace. How 
 good to climb sometimes into God's lap, lay your head 
 upon his bosom, listen to the inarticulate divine lullaby, 
 while all the love of God flows in and gives you peace. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Our Father, with cheerful and joyful hearts we 
 would come to Thee who art the source of all our 
 blessings. Protect us and sustain us, and under the 
 shadow of Thy wing let us rest and trust. May we 
 know that love which casteth out all fear, may we 
 have that faith which never wavers, that hope which 
 accepts the night as the day. Thou hast brought 
 us safely through another day, and again we seek 
 the still hour of meditation. Lift up our minds, 
 warm our affections, and deepen within us the feelings 
 of reverence, of gratitude, of trust, and guide all the 
 longings of our hearts to the true source of peace. 
 Amen. 
 
 Joshua Young.
 
 324 Nototwtor 17 
 
 "He shall not fail, nor he discouraged " seems 
 
 A very forest oak which we may twine 
 
 About, and reach our hands as the woodbine 
 
 Does hers, growing upon it with supremes 
 
 Of confidence, looking up to the gleams 
 
 Of light, which through the windswayed branches 
 
 shine, 
 Sure that this tree will never lay supine 
 In dust, leaving us crushed and in extremes 
 Of need, when we would climb up to the height 
 Of our full strength. Oh, truth of comforting ! 
 I lay my tendril-disks against the might 
 Of your firm strength, feeling, while so I cling, 
 Your own most holy life transforming mine, 
 And causing my exultant soul to sing. 
 
 Lois Laurie. 
 
 Father in Heaven, we read in Thy word, that Thy 
 servant, whom Thou upholdest, " Shall not fail nor 
 be discouraged," but shall accomplish his purposes, 
 and be satisfied. Help us to be so faithful in Thy 
 service that we may be conscious of Thy sustaining 
 might, and so rise above discouragement into the 
 strength that wins success. Grant that at the close 
 of each day we may feel that we have been about 
 our Father's business, and that our labor has not 
 been in vain. Thus shall we feel secure, and we shall 
 rest in peace; and at last, when days and nights shall 
 be merged in the light of the everlasting morning, 
 may we see of the travail of our souls, and be satisfied, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Henry Loveli. Canfield.
 
 ttfotamtttr is 325 
 
 After all the kind of world one carries about in one's 
 self is the important thing, and the world outside 
 takes all its grace, color and value from that. 
 
 James Russell Lowell. 
 
 Be noble; and the nobleness that lies 
 In other men, sleeping but never dead, 
 Will rise in majesty to meet thine own; 
 Then shalt thou see it gleam in many eyes, 
 Then will pure light about thy way be shed, 
 And thou wilt nevermore be sad and lone. 
 
 James Russell Lowell. 
 
 Father, we thank Thee for the day just ending, 
 for the beauty in Thy world, for the goodness in 
 life and for the love of all our brothers. May we 
 carry into the quiet rest of the night the benediction 
 of this day. May all our dreams be pure and hope- 
 ful. Protect the hidden man of the heart in sleep 
 that no fears may come to disturb, or evil imaginings 
 to stain, the soul. On the morrow give us the courage 
 to face our tasks without fret or strain, and the 
 vision to see only the best in everybody and in every- 
 thing. Amen. 
 Samuel V. V. Holmes.
 
 326 Xototufctr 19 
 
 Father, whose tenderness has wrapped me round 
 In a great need, to what shall I compare 
 Strength Thou hast sent in answer to my prayer ? 
 Not to the help some falling vine has found, 
 That trailing listless on the fallen ground 
 Clings suddenly to some high trellis there, 
 Lifting itself once more into the air 
 With timid tendrils on the lattice wound. 
 Rather to help the drooping plant has won, 
 That weary with the beating of the rains 
 Feels quickening in its own responsive veins 
 The sudden shining of a distant sun. 
 When from within the strength and gladness are, 
 My soul knows that its help comes from afar. 
 
 Alice Wellington Rollins. 
 
 O God, all our springs are in Thee. Not alone 
 the refreshing dews of grace awoke us with the dawn, 
 but the gentle sun wooed us all the day as the flower 
 is wooed into beauty and fragrance, not for itself 
 but to make all the world brighter. Thou dost 
 enfold us at twilight for our silent hour of meditation 
 that the fruit of praise and prayer may the better 
 ripen. Dawn, noontide and twilight are all full of 
 Thee. Thou dost lift up our head after sleep and 
 dost rest us anew on Thy bosom. Thy touch gives 
 both strength and rest. " When I am awake I 
 am still with Thee," and with Thee no less than when 
 I sleep, for God giveth His beloved sleep. It is 
 God's kiss upon our weary brow, albeit the storm 
 may come as it did to our sleeping Master and danger 
 as to Peter sleeping between two soldiers, yet God's 
 whisper is one of peace. Amen. 
 
 E. R. Hendrix.
 
 Kofccmtier 20 327 
 
 Heaven is not reached at a single bound; 
 But we build the ladder by which we rise 
 From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, 
 And we mount to the summit round by round. 
 
 I count this thing to be grandly true: 
 That a noble deed is a step toward God, 
 Lifting the soul from the common sod 
 To a purer air and a broader view. 
 
 We rise by things that are under our feet, 
 By what we have mastered of good and gain, 
 By the pride deposed and the passion slain 
 And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet. 
 
 J. G. Holland. 
 
 Our Father, this day's experiences, whether of 
 sorrow or of joy, have something to teach us of Thee. 
 Help us to learn their lesson, and learning it, to 
 stand nearer Thee tonight than ever before. We 
 know it is our own deeds, thoughts and desires, which 
 most effectually lift us up or drag us down. We 
 know that each deed of this day has left its result 
 in our lives, and in the lives of our fellow beings. 
 Therefore, O God, forgive the wrong we have done 
 and help us to do it no more. Strengthen us in the 
 right, and grant that we may this night rest with 
 Thy peace abundant in our hearts. Amen. 
 
 G. I. Keirm.
 
 328 Notonuticr 21 
 
 Happy the man that, when the day is done, 
 
 Lies down to sleep with nothing of regret — 
 The battle he has fought may not be won — 
 
 The fame he sought be just as fleeting yet; 
 Folding at last his hands upon his breast, 
 
 Happy is he, if hoary and forespent, 
 He sinks into the last eternal rest, 
 
 Breathing these only words: " I am content." 
 
 Eugene Field. 
 
 I thank Thee, O Thou giver of the peace that 
 passeth all understanding, for that portion of sweet 
 content of soul which Thou hast granted me at the 
 close of this day. It has not been a day of work 
 perfectly done, nor of duties fully accomplished. 
 No eye, save Thine, may mark the earnest endeavor 
 of a soul that has honestly tried to do Thy will; 
 but Thou dost consider, and if Thou dost approve, 
 I shall rest in peace. Grant unto me the great bless- 
 ing of quiet slumber this night, that on the morrow, 
 if it be Thy will, I may show forth, with refreshed 
 and gladdened life, far more of Thy glory; and grant 
 that, at the end of life's journey, I may enter into 
 that perfect rest which remaineth for the children of 
 God. Amen. 
 
 Edward Payson Drew.
 
 ttfOiJCWtJCr 22 3 2 9 
 
 A mere acceptance of the fact of Love, 
 
 Of God above, 
 Of all the vast Omnipotence 
 Of Him, our Maker and Defence, 
 Is not believing; but to fight 
 Aggressively to spread His light, 
 To strive for Him incessantly, without relief, 
 Unyielding in the Right, 
 
 That is Belief! 
 
 John Kendrick Bangs. 
 
 Dear Father of all, we thank Thee for the love 
 that never fails. We rejoice in the power that makes 
 all things work together for the good of Thy children. 
 Grant us a true Faith, O Lord, that stands bravely 
 for the right against the wrong; for truth against 
 error; and that deals justly, loves mercy, and walks 
 humbly with Thee. Give us the faith that Jesus 
 had, that is patient under all discipline, and is un- 
 wearied in its service of others. If we have this day 
 failed in duty, pardon our offences. Make us Thy 
 dutiful children, and help us to rest in Thy love and 
 be at peace. Amen. 
 
 Frank S. Hunnewell.
 
 33° TSTokemfitr 23 
 
 To Him who bears I whisper all; 
 
 And sojtlier than the dews of heaven 
 The tears of Christ's compassion fall; 
 
 I know I am forgiven. 
 
 Wrapped in the peace that follows prayer, 
 
 I fold my hands in perfect trust, 
 Forgetful of the cross I hear 
 
 Through noonday heat and dust. 
 
 No more Life's mysteries vex my thought; 
 
 No cruel doubts disturb my breast; 
 My heavy-laden spirit sought 
 
 And found the promised rest. 
 
 Harriet McEwen Kimball. 
 
 O God, we thank Thee for the gift of Thy wondrous 
 compassion! We are drawn to Thee as the crocus 
 is to the light, as the swinging planet to the sun, as 
 love is to love. How good Thou art to us! Thou 
 dost not forget our name is Frailty, and that oft we 
 fail because we are weak. Thou knowest too we 
 have not done so well as we purposed and wilt re- 
 member the purpose as well as the deed. If Thou 
 wilt forgive aught we have done remiss today, to- 
 morrow — tomorrow, we shall be more like our ideals 
 and prayers. Let us rest this night in great peace, 
 as birds do under their mother's wings, in a nest of 
 love. When we wake may it be to serve Thee better 
 than ever before. Amen. 
 
 Eugene M. Antrim.
 
 Notmuljcr 24 331 
 
 Watch well the building of thy dream ! 
 
 However hopeless it may seem, 
 The time will come when it shall be 
 
 A prison or a home for thee. 
 
 Winifred Webb. 
 
 God appoints to every one of His creatures a separate 
 mission; and if they discharge it honorably, and faith- 
 fully follow that light which is in them, there will 
 assuredly come of it such burning as, according to its 
 appointed mode and measure, shall shine before men 
 and be of service, constant and holy. Degrees infinite 
 of lustre there must always be; but the weakest among 
 us has a gift, however seemingly trivial, which is 
 peculiar to him, and which, worthily used, will be a 
 gift, also, to his race forever. John Ruskin. 
 
 We thank Thee, O Father, for home and health, 
 for the adorned earth, interesting toil, and the steady 
 cheer of each day. We thank Thee for the cool of 
 evening, the quieting curtain of night and delicious 
 repose for wearied bodies. Help us learn today's 
 lessons well. Banish torturing envy by the remem- 
 brance that the Rewarder will notice every man's 
 work. Enable us to regularly do our best and then 
 rest. Smooth away all sleep-breaking worry. Build 
 faith during night's stillness so that morning light 
 may find us ready to happily take up our own tasks. 
 Steady our tempers. Tame our tongues. Awaken 
 our ambition. Enthuse our smallest activities. Lead 
 us into all our open doors of usefulness. Bring us 
 to life's end with tired hands and clean heart, for the 
 Great Master's sake. Amen. 
 
 Christian F. Reisner.
 
 Kofocmfier 25 
 
 Would you find a cure for worry? Believe in God 
 Almighty. Believe that this world belongs to God, 
 that you belong to Him; that, come what will, He will 
 take care of you. A friend of mine assures me that 
 she derives great comfort from this simple little speech, 
 which she makes to herself, " God is here; I will trust 
 Him." And it is a good speech for anyone to make. 
 My plans have failed, — ■" Never mind, God is here; 
 I will trust Him." My fortune is lost, — " Never 
 mind, God is here; I will trust Him." Yes, God is 
 here. He is mine and I am His. This is God's world. 
 I am God's child. " Though He slay me, yet will I 
 trust Him." " Fear hath torment." Trust hath 
 everlasting peace. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Heavenly Father, for the 
 experiences of this day. They are filled with lessons 
 for us. Some of them have been hard and heavy, 
 teaching us to be brave and strong. Some have 
 brought heartaches and tears to show us the priceless 
 value of love and sympathy. Others have filled us 
 with joy and gladness as they come in kindly deeds 
 from loving friends. Forgive us if in the trials of 
 the day we have doubted Thy presence. Helpus to 
 face life bravely without hurry or worry. Give us 
 that peace which is born of trust. As the little child 
 slips its hand into the hand of a mother and sinks 
 into sweet sleep, so let us say with confidence, " My 
 father is here; I will not be afraid." Amen. 
 
 E. L. Conger.
 
 jSfototmfccr 20 333 
 
 When I am overmatched by petty cares 
 And things of earth loom large, and look to be 
 Of moment, how it soothes and comforts me 
 
 To step into the night and feel the airs 
 
 Of heaven fan my cheek; and, best of all, 
 Gaze up into those all-unchartered seas 
 Where swim the stately planets: such as these: 
 
 Make mortal fret seem slight and temporal. 
 
 I muse on what of life may stir among 
 
 Those spaces knowing naught of metes nor bars; 
 Undreamed of dramas played in outmost stars, 
 
 And lyrics by archangels grandly sung. 
 
 Then, dizzy with the unspeakable sights above, 
 Rebuked by Vast on Vast, my puny heart 
 Is greatened for its transitory part, 
 
 My trouble merged in wonder and in love. 
 
 Richard Burton. 
 
 Dear Father, we are glad that we cannot get away 
 from Thee on any sea or shore, that we can only 
 forget Thee and become unconscious of Thee. But, 
 even though we do that, we are glad that Thou art 
 close by us; and whenever we will, if we turn towards 
 Thee, Thou wilt come to meet us as did the father 
 of the prodigal, and we may fall on Thy breast and be 
 folded in the everlasting arms. Amen. 
 
 Minot J. Savage.
 
 334 Nototmticr 27 
 
 How beauty fills the world ! 
 
 Men strive and sin, 
 And higher heap the burden of Earth's ill, 
 And weave a web of wrong for her, — and still 
 
 'Tts beauty fills the world. 
 
 No blot i n all the world ! 
 The creeping green, 
 The water flashing down in shining ways, 
 The light that breaks in drenching color sprays, 
 With beauty fill the world. 
 
 If beauty fills the world, 
 Then all is said. 
 The secret py of one small perfect flower 
 Were proof enough of God, — His love, His power, — 
 And beauty fills the world ! 
 
 Lily A. Long. 
 
 O God, who hast made this beautiful world, and 
 who desirest mankind to worship Thee in the beauty 
 of holiness, we lament the ugliness of sin in our own 
 hearts, and among men everywhere! Wilt Thou 
 so reveal Thyself to us that the love of Thee that 
 must follow will cause us to hate sin, and put it away 
 from our own hearts, and to toil and pray for the 
 cleansing of other hearts from sin's defilement! 
 Rest us tonight with the thought of Thy beautiful 
 world, and the beautiful living that all may have 
 who take Thy Son as Saviour and Lord, and bring 
 us tomorrow's tasks made beautiful by the thought. 
 Amen. 
 
 C. H. Wheeler.
 
 Kotitmlier 28 335 
 
 // / lay waste and wither up with doubt 
 
 The blessed fields of heaven where once my faith 
 
 Possessed itself serenely safe from death; 
 
 If I deny the things past finding out; 
 
 Or if I orphan my own soul of One 
 
 That seemed a Father, and make void the place 
 
 Within me where lie dwelt in power and grace, 
 
 What do I gain by what I have undone ? 
 
 W. D. Howells. 
 
 Father in Heaven, I quiet my soul in Thy presence 
 before sleep. I love Thee; I open my heart to Thee; 
 I bathe my spirit in the light and love of Thy spirit. 
 I am grateful for Thy help and companionship 
 during the day, and for all Thy benefits. Forgive 
 what has been weak and wrong in me and cleanse 
 my soul from all evil. Freshen within, O my God, 
 the consciousness of eternal life, so that I may rest 
 as secure in the reality of unseen things as in the 
 visible world about me. May no influence out of 
 my own life, or from unbelieving men, or the mystery 
 and suffering of the world, be able to weaken my 
 faith or draw my soul from Thee. I now commit 
 myself to Thee for the night. While physical and men- 
 tal vigor are being restored during sleep, strengthen 
 Thou me in the inner life; in faith, hope and love; in 
 power to meet the duties and emergencies of tomorrow: 
 in the desire to live for the good of the world. Amen. 
 
 Worth M. Tippy.
 
 336 tUCotoemticr 29 
 
 I feared: 
 
 My heart was filled with great disquietude, 
 
 That drove me through each day in troubled mood. 
 
 I yearned 
 
 For strength to put my fear to rout; 
 
 For courage firm to drive my terror out. 
 
 I prayed: 
 
 My heart besought my God to give some sign 
 
 That He was near. And His soul answered mine. 
 
 I rose. 
 
 "Fear not, for I am with you," God had said. 
 
 I grappled with my fear. I won. It fled! 
 
 Hazen Conklin. 
 
 My Lord and My Father, since Thou hast so 
 graciously promised, why should I fear and be dis- 
 quieted, since Thou art my strength, why should not 
 my fears be put to flight ? As Thy servant of old 
 rose from his struggle having power with God and 
 man, so, because my spirit responds to Thine, I 
 would rise to share Thy matchless power. All this 
 day, while I have thought I was self-directed, Thou 
 hast continually directed me; therefore am I con- 
 fident that Thou wilt watch over and protect me during 
 my unconscious moments of the night, and, with 
 renewal of confidence and courage, wilt cause me to 
 rise on the morrow, because Thou art my All and in 
 All. Amen. 
 
 Thomas Simms.
 
 isrofcemfccr 30 337 
 
 After the darkness, dawning, 
 
 And stir of the rested wing; 
 Fresb fragrance from the meadow, 
 
 Fresh hope on everything ! 
 
 After the winter, springtime 
 
 And dreams, that flower-like throng; 
 
 After the tempest, silence; 
 After the silence, song. 
 
 After the heat of anger, 
 
 Love that all life enwraps; 
 After the stress of battle, 
 
 The trumpet sounding " taps." 
 
 After despair and doubting, 
 
 A faith without alloy, 
 God here and over yonder, — 
 
 The end of all things, — joy. 
 
 Florence Earle Coates. 
 
 I am weary tonight. All day long responsibility 
 and work have pressed upon me. The burden has 
 been heavy, and when I saw that the sun was setting, 
 I was glad. Make this a good night, O God, a 
 night of rest and of restoration. May morning find 
 me strong again and brave, weariness gone and fears 
 forgotten. I do not pray for songs in the night, but 
 for quiet and sleep. In the morning give me songs, 
 O God, when the darkness is past and the new day 
 calls me back to my work. My care, my trial, my 
 toil, my temptation — to all these let me go, after 
 the quiet and rest of the night, with a brave spirit and 
 a singing heart. Amen. 
 
 O. C. S. Wallace.
 
 338 Dectmtjcr l 
 
 Smile awhile, 
 
 And while you smile 
 
 Another smiles, and soon 
 
 There's miles and miles 
 
 Of smiles, 
 
 And life's worth while 
 
 Because you smile. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 The thing that goes the farthest 
 
 Towards making life worth while, 
 That costs the least, and does the most, 
 
 Is just a pleasant smile. 
 The smile that bubbles from a heart, 
 
 That loves its fellow men, 
 Will drive away the cloud of gloom, 
 
 And coax the sun again. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Thou Spirit of Love, through all the years of our 
 lives, we have lived under the smile of Thy counte- 
 nance. Sometimes we have forgotten Thee, and have 
 been afraid. Sometimes we have been ungrateful to 
 Thee and have frowned and complained at Thy 
 providence. Tonight in grateful remembrance of 
 Thy love and the gift of Thy fair world, we would 
 forget all the vexations and worries of life, put off the 
 frown from our faces, and let the heart smile. O. 
 let us be glad and so share the contagion of Thy 
 gladness and radiate to other lives until we have 
 helped to make a glad and happy world. So shall 
 we be disciples of Him who dried the widow's tears 
 and bound up the wounds of the broken-hearted. 
 Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 Beccmfcer 2 339 
 
 Once on a time from scenes of light 
 
 An angel winged its fairy flight. 
 
 Down to earth in haste he came, 
 
 And wrote in lines of living flame 
 
 These words in every heart he met: 
 
 " Cheer up, cheer up ! be not discouraged yet ! 
 
 Then back to heaven with speed he flew 
 
 And tuned his golden harp anew, 
 
 And all the joyful throng came round 
 
 To listen to the soul-ins pir in g sound, 
 
 And heaven was filled with pure delight, 
 
 For Hope had been to earth that night. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 Dear Father, Thy tired child instinctively turns 
 to Thee tonight ere to repose I go. It is with a 
 joyous feeling of thanksgiving that I breathe Thy 
 holy name. All hopes have not been realized, all 
 ideals not reached; work may be unappreciated, 
 efforts seemingly futile, prayers unanswered. Still, 
 dear Father, I am not afraid, nor discouraged, nor 
 cast down; for I know that no effort is in vain, no 
 ideals but are blessings, no love fruitless. With this 
 assurance, I thank Thee for this day, its opportunities, 
 its work, its love, its success. Yes, Father, for its 
 defeats, if I but learn the lesson of wisdom which 
 they teach. As I go to sleep, Faith in Thy goodness 
 and Hope for an Eternal Better smile down upon me, 
 and make my bed a couch of peace; and serene I am, 
 in the consciousness of Thy eternal love. Amen. 
 
 U. S. MlLLBURN.
 
 340 Dtccmfocv 3 
 
 We do not know whether the future has in store for us 
 calm or unrest. We cannot know beyond peradventure 
 whether we can prevent the higher races from losing 
 their nobler traits and from being overwhelmed by the 
 lower races. On the whole, we think that the greatest 
 victories are to be won, the greatest deeds yet to be done, 
 and that there are yet in store for our peoples and for 
 the causes that we uphold grander triumphs than have 
 ever yet been scored. But be this as it may, we gladly 
 agree that the one plain duty of every man is to face 
 the future as he faces the present, regardless of what it 
 may have in store for him, and, turning toward the 
 light, as he sees the light, to play his part manfully, 
 as a man among men. 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt. 
 
 O God, our Father, we thank Thee for Thy judg- 
 ments. Thou knowest how to make allowances for 
 us and when to be severe with us, but Thou art never 
 unjust nor unloving. We would not get on nor 
 attain our highest, heavenly best if we were not 
 judged. But men do not know enough about us nor 
 do they care enough for us to judge us righteously 
 or to our noblest profit. We blunde-r when we judge 
 ourselves, either we are too lenient or too exacting. 
 But Thy judgments, O Father, are true and righteous 
 altogether. We know not where the future leads, 
 but it is always safe to fight Thy battles. Sure at 
 once of Thy judgments and Thy guidance, let us face 
 the problems of each day bravely and hopefully. 
 Amen. 
 
 John J. Wallace.
 
 Btccmtjcr 4 341 
 
 Let your strivings then, be after contentment. Get 
 out of each passing Jay all the sweetness there is in it. 
 Live in the present hour as much as possible, and if 
 you live for character your foundations will outlast 
 tomorrow. It is when men build without moral 
 principle that they need fear the future. 
 
 It is not the smallness of your life, but the quality 
 of it that is important. You cannot be an elm or an oak, 
 but if you are a violet under a maple, drinking in the 
 sunshine and the dew, you should be content: for in the 
 providence of God humble lives cheerfully lived have 
 infinite value, 
 
 George H. Hepworth. 
 
 Our Father, we turn to Thee in this closing hour 
 of the day not to ask for larger or richer blessings, but 
 to gain an appreciation of the place and the life that 
 is ours. Oft-times we look upon our simple lives 
 and humble tasks with failing hearts, wondering if we 
 are wanted by Thee or needed by Thee, and whether 
 our service counts in Thy great economy. Teach us, 
 our God, we pray Thee, that He who made the ocean 
 shapes the dewdrop,that He who fashioned the elm 
 tree paints the violet. Then shall we know that, 
 humble though we are, our place is Thy place, our 
 task Thy task, our lives Thy life. So may we close 
 the day with the thought that if we are faithful over a 
 few things, we may enter into the joy of our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 Ira A. Priest.
 
 342 33cccmt>tr 5 
 
 THE VOICE WITHIN 
 
 At dawn it called, " Go forward without fear ! 
 All paths are open; choose ye, glad and free." 
 "Through morning's toilsome climb it urged the plea, — 
 Nay, halt not, though the path ye chose grow drear." 
 At noon it spake aloud, — " Make smooth the way 
 For other feet. Bend to thy task, though weight 
 Of sorrow press thee. Others dower, though fate 
 Deny thy secret wish." Through later day 
 It warns, " Climb on! Heights woo ! The waning light 
 Bids haste ! Tet scorn not those who lag behind, 
 Confused by lengthening rays that clear thy sight, 
 These, too, have striv'n all day their way to find." 
 At eve, when flaming sunset fades, Oh hear 
 Dawn's echoing call, " Go forward without fear." 
 
 Anna Garlin Spencer. 
 
 Our Father, my Father! Make me conscious of 
 my eternal son ship in Thee, that now while the day is 
 ending, I may realize that I live, and can know no 
 death, no end! Give me that peace in sleep that 
 adds strength for tomorrow's task. And if the task 
 grow harder make me the more gentle, that I may 
 live as I pray, seeking not to rival men but to uplift 
 them; not to outshine them, but to shine for them. 
 Aid me with the joyful sense that Thou and I are 
 partners in a common work. Inspire me with the 
 courage that controls, not because it sees, but believes; 
 and therefore knows that Thy work and mine must 
 reach the final beauty of completion. Give me Thy 
 love, the " perfect love that casteth out fear." Amen. 
 
 Sydney Herbert Cox.
 
 DccemtJtv o 343 
 
 How the mountains rise above us ! But it is quite in 
 vain that the spiritual mountain peaks tear their heads 
 above us if they never incite us to higher living. It is 
 from the high points of noble living that one's finest 
 visions are inspired. Would you know more of God? 
 Toil upward from the oppressive valleys of worldhness. 
 Would you look across the plains of time and see where 
 the earth and heavens meet? Broaden your horizon 
 by standing upon higher ground. Stand a few tunes 
 upon the high ground of great thoughts; stand, some- 
 times, upon the mountain-top of faith where all the 
 forests, fields, rivers, lakes, and plains of experience 
 meet and mingle in pictures of moral beauty which 
 leave their charm upon the soul; stand there and God 
 shall speak to you, and you shall know the mystery of 
 the Transfiguration. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 O Father, now that the toils of the day are over, 
 and the silence of night falls upon the world, let us 
 raise our thoughts to Thee, and in communion with 
 Thee find peace. Let us be among those who live 
 on the heights — on the hills whence cometh our 
 help. As children knowing they are cared for, 
 guarded, surrounded by watchful love, may we with a 
 quiet mind put our trust in Thee. Here may there be 
 to us as to one of old a ladder joining earth and sky, and 
 here may there go up the story of gratitude and prayer, 
 and come down a message to each of strength for the 
 weak and of peace to the troubled. May life be to us 
 like one long day of joyful service, and at its eventide 
 may we say " Now we lay us down to sleep, for only 
 Thou, Lord, watchest us to dwell in safety." Amen. 
 
 James DeNormandie.
 
 344 3Ptccmtjrr 7 
 
 // song is born within your heart — ■ 
 
 Then, like a lark on soaring wing, 
 Untouched by rules and schools of art, 
 
 In sooth you can not help but sing. 
 Behold the bird, untrained, untaught, 
 
 What music from his throat is flung, — 
 E'en so, the song by you unsought 
 
 Will fall in sweetness from -your tongue. 
 
 If song within your breast is born, 
 
 Not all the strife of street or mart, 
 Nor cold neglect nor smile of scorn 
 
 Can drive its magic from your heart. 
 Though years that come and years that go 
 
 Their burdens to your soul may bring, 
 Through all the work, through all the woe, 
 
 The singer can not help but sing. 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 God our Maker, who giveth songs in the night, we 
 look to Thee for spiritual refreshment. At the close 
 of the day, Thou hast the power to take us from a 
 world of work and noise and confusion into a world of 
 peace and song and contentment. May we be 
 disposed to add our joyful notes to the whole creation's 
 vesper hymn of gladness. If the coming years lead 
 us into a strange land, may we not forget how to sing 
 the Lord's song. For the exile who remembers Thee 
 and is accompanied by Thy love never has cause to 
 hang his harp upon the willow. He feels at home in 
 Thy universe always and everywhere because Thy 
 song is in his heart. Therefore, may Thy statutes be 
 our song day and night. Amen. 
 
 Reignold K. Marvin.
 
 Bcceroticv 8 345 
 
 " Why should I wish to see God any more than this day? 
 I see something of God each hour of the twenty-four 
 
 and each moment then, 
 In the faces of men and women I see God and in my 
 
 own face in the glass, 
 I find letters from God dropt in the street, and every one 
 
 is signed by God's name, 
 And I leave them where they are, for I know that 
 
 wheresoe'er I go others will punctually come 
 
 forever and ever." 
 
 Walt Whitman. 
 
 Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, Thou art our 
 light and our salvation. Thou art the strength of 
 our life. Thou art ever pouring upon Thy children 
 streams of blessing. We look at Thee and the spiritual 
 universe through a glass darkly; we look through 
 our bodily limitations and infirmities, but much of 
 our darkness is made by our vain imaginations and 
 desires. Shine into our darkness and lend us Thine 
 aid and may we by earnest search and diligent study 
 seek for that illumination of mind, and docility of 
 heart which shall make us sensitive to Thy leadership. 
 Give us life and healing and freedom. Give us 
 discernment that we may learn to read Thy letters 
 left for us everywhere in this fair world. So shalt 
 Thou speak to us when no voice is and we shall know 
 that we are not alone. Amen. 
 
 D. Dorchester, Jr.
 
 346 Bcctmticr 9 
 
 There is no war between the Old and New; 
 The conflict is between the False and True. 
 
 Henry van Dyke. 
 
 // the riddle of life is too much for you, if the mystery 
 of evil tortures you too keenly, if, like J. S. Mill, you 
 cannot — simply cannot — reconcile Omnipotence with 
 Love, then — may I say it? ■ — / have passed through 
 the storm and know it — then, as it were, shut your 
 teeth, and force your emotions to obey your head. Say: 
 " God is Love. I can't feel it, and I don't feel it; but, 
 logically, it must be so." 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 O Lord of Hosts, we lift our eyes to the glory of 
 Thine evening skies, and Thou art there! Thou 
 wast in the dawn and the noonday, and we knew 
 Thee not. But now the tides of life ebb with Thy 
 waning light, and leave our heartshores bare and 
 desolate. We cry to Thee! O Thou of the dawn 
 and the noontide, we can see Thee now. Thy glory 
 descends within our ken. Life is bare and desolate 
 no more. Though day must die and tides must flow, 
 Thou art the promise of the morrow. Gather us, 
 we pray Thee, as Thou gatherest Thy light out of the 
 skies and bring us to Thine eternal dawn with Thee. 
 Amen. 
 
 William S. Mitchell.
 
 Demurer 10 347 
 
 To veer how vain! On, onward strain, 
 Brave barks! In light, in darkness too; 
 
 Through winds and waves one compass guides; 
 To that, and your own selves, be true. 
 
 Clough. 
 
 In the darkest night, my child, 
 Canst thou see the Right, my child ? 
 
 Forward then ! God is near. 
 The right will be light to thee, 
 Armour and might to thee; 
 
 Forward ! and never fear." 
 
 Norman MacLeod. 
 
 Father in Heaven, we thank Thee for the day that 
 is now past. We thank Thee for Thy power, inca- 
 pable of wearying; for Thy wisdom, incapable of 
 blundering; for Thy love, incapable of upbraiding. 
 We know not what the night may have in store for us. 
 We know not the final issues of tomorrow — its 
 trials, its sorrows and its joys. One thing we know, 
 if the sparrow cannot fall to the ground without the 
 notice of the Father, we shall not forgotten be. 
 Therefore, in loneliness Thy presence will cheer us; 
 in temptation Thy power will sustain us; in sorrow 
 Thy love will comfort us; in weakness we shall feel 
 the undergirding of the everlasting arms. Forgive 
 us the mistakes of the day, consecrate what we are, 
 and order what we shall be. Amen. 
 
 Adna Wright Leonard.
 
 348 IBcccmtor n 
 
 What is thy thought ? There is no miracle ? 
 
 There is a great one, which thou hast not read, 
 
 And never shall escape. Thyself, man, 
 
 Thou art the miracle. Ay, thou thyself, 
 
 Being in the world and of the world, thyself, 
 
 Hast breathed in breath from Him that made the 
 
 world. 
 Thou art thy Father s copy of Himself, — 
 Thou art thy Father s Miracle. 
 
 Jean Ingelow. 
 
 Patience with God is conscious self-surrender to the 
 eternal purpose. It is a gentle, tender, mighty trust; 
 it is a quenchless assurance, an inextinguishable con- 
 viction that the Infinite and Universal Parent Spirit 
 has begotten His own nature in us, and that all men 
 are safe in His Almighty care. 
 
 Basil Wilberforce. 
 
 Heavenly Father, the day palls upon us. Tired, 
 we would rest awhile in Thee. From Thy abundance, 
 both of might and wise control, we would draw 
 sustenance and hope. Into the night we fearlessly 
 go because Thou art there, whose power has wrought 
 through the day. Yet deeper feeling of intimacy 
 with Thee struggles to our lips and we go to contented 
 slumber in the care of our Father. The heavenly 
 throng of stars is not more constant than Thy love. 
 No turning of errant mind, no miasm of wayward 
 will shall break Thy constancy. In filial confidence 
 we abide with Thee until the freshening day shall 
 find us at labor in Thy vineyard. Amen. 
 
 L. Ward Brigham.
 
 Utcemfitr 12 349 
 
 My hands that were reaching so eagerly out 
 
 Have closed on the hilt of a star; 
 My eyes that were scanning the waters of doubt 
 
 Have vistoned the harbor afar. 
 
 My heart that sickened of shadow and greed, 
 
 That wearied of wantons of woe, 
 Has found the road to the distant mead 
 
 Where the roses with radiance glow. 
 
 Tired, I turn from the toiling throng 
 And the harvests of gloom they glean. 
 
 Oh, the wind of the heights in my face is strong 
 With the sweetness of things unseen. 
 
 In the silence of thought a lamp I clutch, 
 
 A glistening, wonderful globe, 
 And, laved in its glory, I kneel to touch 
 
 The hem of the seamless robe. 
 
 Mary J. Elmendorf. 
 
 Protecting Power, while night cometh in, in which 
 no man can work, we tu rn homeward, in our thoughts, 
 to Thee. We thank Thee for the divine quest on 
 which Thou sendest us from day to day. We thank 
 Thee also for every blessed refuge, every place where 
 rest and new inspiration and fresh courage may be 
 found, which life offers us. May we be strengthened 
 and heartened during the hours of quietness that lie 
 before us, and awake to go forth, filled with cheerful- 
 ness, sympathy, and good-will, and eager to be true 
 shepherds of mankind. Amen. 
 
 Roger S. Forbes.
 
 CO 
 
 ^o Bcccm&cv 13 
 
 / would be true, for there are those who trust me; 
 
 I would be pure, for there are those who care; 
 I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; 
 
 I would be brave, for there is much to dare. 
 
 I would be friend of all — the foe — the friendless; 
 
 I would be giving, and forget the gift; 
 I would be humble, for I know my weakness; 
 
 I would look up — and laugh — ■ and love — and lift. 
 Howard Arnold Walter. 
 
 Our Heavenly Father, before we turn out the lights 
 we would pause for a moment to review the day. We 
 have wanted to be true for the sake of those who have 
 trusted us. We have tried to be pure for the sake of 
 those who care. In the face of weakness and 
 cowardice, we have tried to be strong and brave. 
 We have tried to extend the hand of friendship to all 
 the friendless, to give where the gift was needed. 
 Tonight we would make no boast of our achievement 
 but simply ask that Thou wouldst bless the day. 
 If we have failed, let us not be discouraged, but make 
 us ready to go forth into another day prepared to 
 look up, and love, and lift. Amen. 
 
 George L. Perin.
 
 December 14 351 
 
 " Do ye think of the hopes that are gone, Jeame, 
 
 As ye sit by your fire at night? 
 Did ye gather them up as they faded fast, 
 
 Like buds with an early blight?" 
 " / think of the hopes that are gone, Robin, 
 
 And I mourn not their stay was fleet ; 
 For they fell as the leaves of the red rose fall, 
 
 And were even in falling sweet!" 
 
 Do ye think of the friends that are gone, 'Jeanie, 
 
 As ye sit by your fire at night ? 
 Do ye wish they were round you again once more 
 
 By the hearth that they made so bright ? " 
 " I think of the friends that are gone, Robin, 
 
 They are dear to my heart as then ; 
 But the best and the dearest among them all 
 
 I have never wished back again ! " 
 
 Dora Greenwell. 
 
 Truly, O Eternal One, our lives are made up of 
 vanishings and vicissitudes, and memory is ever 
 adding to her store of things that were and are not. 
 But it is even more true that these seeming losses 
 leave us not emptier but fuller and richer. For what 
 was best and most vital in them we continue to 
 possess, leaving only the " outgrown shell by life's 
 unresting sea; " while our advance is one career of 
 acquisition, ever heaping up treasures new and old. 
 We thank Thee, Father, for all, only asking for the 
 wisdom to discern the gain within the loss, to trans- 
 mute the pain and bitterness into power, and to grow 
 ever gentler, finer, sweeter under the touch of disci- 
 pline, and to be grateful for a faith which enables us 
 to feel sure Thou doest all things well. Amen. 
 
 C. Ellwood Nash.
 
 352 Bectmiitr 15 
 
 / used to reach home about the time our little girl 
 of four was going to bed. Often I would spend a half 
 hour at her bedside telling her stories. At the conclu- 
 sion of the story-telling I would hear her prayer and 
 leave her for the night. On one of these occasions she 
 asked many questions about God. As she was a 
 timid child, I tried particularly to emphasize the 
 thought of God's presence with her. As I was ready 
 to leave, she asked, " Will you please light the gas 
 before you go ? " " Oh no," said I, "you don't need 
 the gas, for God is xvith you all the time." " Even in 
 the dark ? " she asked. " Yes," I said, " all the time, 
 even in the dark." Then she drew a long sigh and 
 replied, " Well, I'd rather have gas than God." 
 Dear child, how like the rest of the world she was. 
 The light was near and she could understand it, while 
 in spite of all my efforts God was far away. Many a 
 man would rather have gold than God. He under- 
 stands one, he doesn't understand the other. The 
 lesson of trust comes later. There comes a time in 
 each life when gold will not buy comfort, nor gas light 
 the way. Then God speaks. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 Heavenly Father, In the confusion of this day I 
 lost Thy presence. Now my reason hesitates while 
 hope cries out above the blinding lessons of experience. 
 O Father, in Thy white light of Eternity there lurks 
 no shadow. Let Thy love rekindle the glow of 
 sympathy in my heart. Let Thy wisdom light my 
 candle of faith, then I will walk even in the Shadow 
 of Death and fear no evil, for I shall know that Thou 
 art with me. Amen. 
 
 J. Van Neice Bandy.
 
 Bccemtor 16 353 
 
 Night's curtain falleth, cold and dark and drear; 
 Heavy my heart, and sore beset with fear. 
 When, lo, a message flashes o'er the deep — 
 / will both lay me down in peace, and sleep." 
 
 Why should I fear, when Thou art ever nigh, 
 Thine ear alert whene'er Thy children cry? 
 Shall I not trust ? Thy promises are sure; 
 If Thou in safety keep, I am secure. 
 
 Love that rulest over land and sea, 
 
 1 would be always close attuned to Thee ! 
 
 Shepherd who dost ever vigil keep, 
 
 1 will both lay me down in peace, and sleep! 
 
 Myra B. Lord. 
 
 Father, we thank Thee for the leading by things 
 withheld. We thank Thee that Thou hast not yielded 
 to our impatient pleadings, but hast kept within 
 Thine own hands some things on which we had set 
 our heart. But we thank Thee, too, that Thy 
 withholding is not Thy denying; that with the sweet 
 guile of love Thou dost but lure us on to the better 
 gifts and the larger havings that our eyes, hot with 
 the dusts of earth, and blinded by the glare of the 
 world, have failed to see. May we lie down to our 
 rest this night in the glad consciousness that whatever 
 life has missed this day of things desired, it has not 
 missed Thee, who art better than all things. Amen. 
 
 Joseph Kennard Wilson.
 
 354 Becnutier 17 
 
 The Isles of Quiet he beyond the years. 
 Hoar prophets say it; yet, for all the tears, 
 I doubt the saying of the seers. 
 
 I think that whoso seeks them here shall find; 
 That all with open, patient heart and mind 
 Shall drink of peace from sun and wind; 
 
 Shall make their own the hymn of rest begun 
 When shadows say the summer day is done, 
 And sky and field are growing one. 
 
 Idler the fancy, closer it may cling; 
 Yet I believe the wide air's murmuring, 
 The sweet far song the thrushes sing. 
 
 John Vance Cheney. 
 
 Dear Father, from the absorbing occupations of the 
 .busy day, we return to Thee. Our feet are weary and 
 our hands are tired, but we are grateful for the help 
 and guidance that have never failed. Now, after 
 toil, we look to Thee for rest. After perplexity and 
 distractions, we look to Thee for peace. In the 
 falling of the twilight, in the hush of the evening, 
 while the darkness closes round us, we wish to realize 
 Thine enveloping Spirit and to feel the consciousness 
 of Thy compassionate and protecting love. Remove 
 from our hearts, we pray, all foolish anxiety. Let 
 us be contented with our many blessings, and do 
 good with what we have. Let this night bring sweet 
 sleep and calm repose. May we gather strength for 
 new endeavors, and courage for nobler aims. In 
 perfect trust, we would leave all to Thee. Amen, 
 
 John Clarence Lee.
 
 fflectmttcr 18 355 
 
 / fear no more the coming years, 
 What they may bring. 
 Days will be sunless, night bereft of stars; 
 Mayhap the brightest blossoms of the spring 
 
 Shall first be bound with winter s icy bars; 
 But still beyond the cloud is always light. 
 The stars are in the sky all night, 
 And deepest snows are those which hide the bright 
 Green heart of spring. 
 
 And if the rugged road of life 
 Doth wind around 
 The mountain side where heavy clouds hang low, 
 And, as I climb, the pilgrim staff be changed 
 
 Into a cross, still onward would I go ! 
 The peaks of only highest mountains rise 
 Above the clouds to bluest skies, 
 And round the heaviest cross is hung the prize, 
 The brightest crown. 
 
 Amy Seville Wolff. 
 
 Our Father who art in Heaven, we know that Thou 
 dost wish us to bear the fruit of Christian discipleship. 
 There are so many around us who need, as we often- 
 times do, encouragement in ambition and cheer in 
 toil, comfort in sorrow, and faith in doubt, and 
 strength in the time of temptation. Help us, our 
 Father, to give something of good each day for the 
 supplying of these human needs. We know Thy 
 love is round about all Thy children. May we 
 feel this night, as we close our eyes in sleep, that 
 Thou art with us, loving us with an infinite love, and 
 guarding us with tenderest care. Amen. 
 
 Charles H. Puffer.
 
 356 Brcnutict 19 
 
 Turn all to love, poor soul; 
 
 Be love thy watch and ward ; 
 Be love thy starting-point, thy goal, 
 
 And thy reward. 
 
 Christina G. Rossetti. 
 
 The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions — 
 the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, 
 a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of 
 a playful raillery, and the countless other infinites simals 
 of pleasurable thought and genial feeling. 
 
 Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 
 
 Dear Father, in this sacred evening hour, we 
 rejoice in the thought that we give ourselves to Thee 
 for the hours of the night. By day we are conscious 
 of out life, at night Thou alone art conscious 
 of our existence. As we look back upon the van- 
 ished day that now is ended, we ask ourselves, 
 
 Have we lived a life of love today ? Have we 
 ministered to those who are dear to us ? " We know 
 that love is the greatest gift Thou hast given us. In 
 those hours when the mystery of life and the universe 
 overwhelm us, when the tragedies of life perplex our 
 minds and pain our hearts, we know that Love — 
 in us for others, and from others to ourselves — is 
 the supreme witness that Thou lovest us. Help us 
 to love more! Nothing is small to love! Father, 
 may the benediction of loving thoughts, loving 
 words, loving deeds of the day that is gone rest 
 upon our souls tonight! Awakened to a new day 
 may we know that our greatest privilege and our 
 greatest joy is to serve. Amen. 
 
 Henry Blanchard.
 
 Bcccmtier 20 357 
 
 Fear not your doubt. 
 
 Receive it frankly as a friend. 
 Swing wide the door, let it go in or out; 
 
 Make no attempt to force or fend. 
 Fear not for truth, 
 
 Or that your doubt will shake the sure. 
 Truth triumphs in eternal youth. 
 
 The form may change, the fact must still endure. 
 In truth have faith. 
 
 Its gold no acid-doubting can corrode. 
 Reality can fear no wraith. 
 
 Conviction falls not with the crumbling code. 
 Then let doubt come and let doubt go; 
 
 Fear not the outcome, — truth must show. 
 Charles W. Casson. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Heavenly Father, for the 
 knowledge that Thy truths are like the everlasting 
 mountains, and that our doubts are like the mists 
 that hide them. We pray Thee for Thy compassion 
 and Thy truth in the hour of doubt, lest we lose the 
 vast and valuable reality for the sake of the transient 
 darkness. By Thy grace, make our very doubts 
 Thy ministers to bring us back to Thee. Through 
 our loneliness and fears, make us to appreciate the 
 joy of Thy presence and Thy peace. Through 
 the desert poverty of our doubt, teach us to love 
 the holier flowers in the garden of the Lord. 
 Forbid, we earnestly beseech Thee, that we bring 
 ourselves under the power of doubt through the 
 blindness of our sins. Help us to walk like our 
 Lord Jesus continually in Thy gracious presence that 
 we may know Thee by Thy living voice and by Thy 
 loving touch. Amen. 
 
 Herbert S. Johnson.
 
 358 Btcetttfitr 21 
 
 / walk in the stillness of the night, 
 
 And my soul uttereth her gladness. 
 
 Night, still, odorous Night, I love thee! 
 
 wide, spacious Night, I love thee! 
 
 steadfast, glorious Night! 
 
 1 touch thee with my hands; 
 I lean against thy strength; 
 I am comforted. 
 
 fathomless, soothing Night! 
 Thou art a balm to my restless spirit, 
 
 1 nestle gratefully in thy bosom, 
 Dark, gracious mother! 
 
 Like a dove, I rest in thy bosom. 
 
 Helen Keller. 
 
 O Thou! unseen by me, that like a child 
 Tries in the night to find its mother's heart, 
 And weeping wanders only more apart, 
 
 Not knowing in the darkness that she smiled — 
 
 Thou, all unseen, dost hear my tired cry, 
 
 As I, in darkness of a half belief, 
 
 Grope for Thy heart, in love and doubt and grief: 
 O Lord! speak soon to me — " Lo, here am I," 
 
 Margaret Deland. 
 
 !
 
 December 22 359 
 
 / have a song within my heart 
 
 That I shall never sing. 
 I know 'tis there, for I can feel 
 
 Its joyous fluttering. 
 Just how it goes I do not know; 
 
 And what it is about, 
 Though I have tried and tried again, 
 
 I cannot quite make out. 
 But this I know: when days are dark, 
 
 And sullen is the air, 
 It does not vex my soul at all, 
 
 Because that song is there. 
 
 John Kendrick Bangs. 
 
 Almighty God, we thank Thee for the benediction 
 of the night, and for Thy gracious gift of sleep. Even 
 as the darkness steals across the troubled earth to 
 quiet its tumult and confusion, so we pray Thee that 
 Thy soothing spirit may steal across our restless 
 hearts and bring us peace. In the deep silence, 
 O God, may we hear within our souls Thy voice, 
 teaching us of truth and righteousness and love, 
 warning us of error and sin, singing to us the song of 
 cheer and hope. In the hours of light and gladness, 
 we know that Thou art with us, and are unafraid. 
 Bid us also, our Father, to fear nothing in the hours 
 of darkness and temptation. The night comes, 
 and we see the glistening of the watching stars and 
 hear the music of their wheeling spheres. So, dear 
 Father, when the night of sorrow is upon us, may we 
 behold the glory of Thy near presence, and hear the 
 mighty music of Thy brooding Spirit. Amen. 
 
 John Haynes Holmes.
 
 3 6o Dcccmtjcr 23 
 
 THE EVERLASTING . ARM 
 
 " And underneath are the everlasting arms." 
 
 Deut. xxxiii : 27. 
 
 Our Father who art, — in heaven and on earth! 
 without whom is death in life, and with whom is 
 life even in death: 
 
 " Now I lay me down to sleep; " 
 I need not pray: " my soul to keep," 
 Because I know that I am safe from harm, 
 Since underneath is still Thy Everlasting Arm. 
 
 Charles Fleischer.
 
 Brtemtiet 24 36*- 
 
 The stars gleamed soft on Jidda's plain, 
 
 The night winds whispered low, 
 While angels carolled their sweet refrain 
 And radiance streamed below. 
 Heaven's glad hosts sang, 
 Heaven s arches rang 
 With joy on that wondrous morn; 
 Bright seraphs sped 
 To the manger-bed 
 Where the Lord of all was born. 
 
 Over earth's shadows are ringing yet 
 
 The notes of celestial song, 
 The voices of angels and men are met 
 And praises high prolong; 
 Oh love untold, 
 Hope manifold, 
 'Joy of each Christmas morn ! 
 With succor strong, 
 In hearts that long 
 Shall the Lord of all be born. 
 
 Mary Danforth Dodge. 
 
 O Father, we see that our lives are the world into 
 which the Christ needs — and is destined — to be 
 born. It is not there, in far Judea, but here in our 
 heartJ, we should listen for the Advent song. Our 
 selfishness, our barrenness, our fearfulness, our 
 peevishness, all call for a Savior. Would that this 
 night of nights might be the very one of his coming! 
 And why not ? No miracle is requisite, but only 
 surrender of our wills and deep self-immersion in 
 the spirit of universal love. Thus being renewed 
 in trust, loyalty, good cheer, and purity, let us wel- 
 come the divine stranger as an abiding guest. Amen. 
 
 C. Ellwood Nash.
 
 362 fflecctuficr 25 
 
 There's a song in the air, 
 
 There's a star in the sky, 
 
 There's a mother's deep prayer 
 
 And a baby's low cry; 
 And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, 
 For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a king. 
 
 In the light of that star 
 
 Lie the ages impearled, 
 
 And that song from afar 
 
 Has swept over the world. 
 Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing, 
 In the homes of the nations, that Jesus is king. 
 
 J. G. Holland. 
 
 Dear Father, we thank Thee that the evening of that 
 first Christmas day was not less blessed than the 
 morning; that, though the star had gone, the Light, 
 in whose brightness it was lost, remained; that, 
 though the angel choir had vanished into heaven, 
 the song, and the Inspiration of the song, were left 
 on earth; that, though the heavenly messenger had 
 ceased to speak, the King was here to fulfil the " good 
 tidings," and to claim His own. And we thank Thee 
 that He still is here. Oh help us to receive Him as 
 our Light of lights, our King of kings; and give us 
 grace to sing again that song of songs — the " Glory 
 in the highest," and the " Peace, Good Will." So 
 hallow to us the evening of our Christmas day. Amen. 
 
 Charles R. Tenney.
 
 Dtccwfccr 20 363 
 
 Ring out the old, ring "i the new, 
 
 Ring, happy bells, across the snow; 
 The 1l ear is going, let him go; 
 
 Ring out the false, ring in the true. 
 Ring out the grief that saps the mind, 
 
 For those that here we see no more; 
 Ring out the feud of rich and poor, 
 
 Ring in redress to all mankind. 
 
 Ring out old shapes of foul disease; 
 
 Ring out the narrow lust of gold; 
 Ring out the thousand wars of old: 
 
 Rtng in the thousand years of peace. 
 Ring in the valiant man and free, 
 
 The larger heart, the kindlier hand; 
 Ring out the darkness of the land, 
 
 Ring in the Christ that is to be. 
 
 Alfred Tennyson. 
 
 O Thou great Providence, we would give thanks to 
 Thee at this time for the message of the bells. They 
 tell us as never before that the Christ is in the life of 
 the world, that earth is coming nearer Heaven. In all 
 their ringing proclaiming " the larger heart, the kindlier 
 hand " may we hear Thee. We are Thy children, 
 growing better because Thou art with us more, and 
 we are more with Thee. Deeper into our conscious- 
 ness sinks the fact that souls obeying their natural 
 tendencies towards higher things and drawing on 
 the Eternal for added power will gain a truer vision 
 of the life eternal in the life that is. Tonight may the 
 bells that once were those of prophecy, telling of the 
 " Christ to be," be bells of realization, telling the 
 greater story of" the Christ that is." Amen. 
 
 Lee S. McCollester.
 
 364 Dtcntitttv 27 
 
 Fear est the shadow ? Keep thy trust; 
 
 Still the star-worlds roll. 
 Fear est death ? say est, " Dust to dust ? " 
 
 No; say, "Soul to soul." 
 
 John Vance Cheney. 
 
 / believe in God and the power of truth, 
 
 In the wisdom of age and the strength of Youth. 
 
 I believe in the pure heart of each little child, 
 
 In the atom of worth in a wretch defiled. 
 
 I believe in man and womanhood; 
 
 In work as humanity's greatest good, 
 
 I believe in the fight till victory's won, 
 
 And a smile for Death when Life is done. 
 
 Cecilia Hoerr de Packh. 
 
 O Thou, who causest the outgoings of the morning 
 and evening to rejoice, we thank Thee for this day. 
 In the weariness of the evening, however great the 
 trial or the burden may have been, help us to find 
 light and joy and peace through trust in Thee. May 
 love be translated into obedience and service. May 
 our daily work be not a burden but a delight. May 
 the joy of the Lord be our strength. Thou who 
 turnest even the shadow of death into the morning 
 and lightenest the face of the earth, do Thou quicken 
 our hearts and illumine our way, so that we may not 
 walk in darkness but may have ever the light of life. 
 Amen. 
 
 Wilbur P. Thirkield.
 
 December 28 365 
 
 All day I seek the mean reward 
 
 That falls to earthly strife; 
 All day the thought of Thee, Lord, 
 Is crowded out of deed and word. 
 
 Is crowded out of life. 
 
 But when I shake my spirit free 
 
 From earthly chains at night, 
 The vaulted dusk is filled with Thee, 
 And every star becomes to me, 
 
 A holy altar-light! 
 
 Denis A. McCarthy. 
 
 O God! I cannot ask Thee to forgive; 
 
 I have done wrong. 
 Thy law is just; Thy law must live: 
 Whoso doth wrong must suffer pain. 
 But help me to do right again, 
 Again be strong. 
 Amen. 
 Charlotte Perkins Stetson.
 
 366 Becrmfocr 29 
 
 In a sad hour I have seen, through the window, 
 mounted on a rail back of my house, one of those 
 curious-eyed little sparrows. And he was a better 
 preacher to me than I am to you. It was winter, and 
 there was not guaranteed to it one day's food, nor any 
 protection, from any source in this world. It was 
 wholly dependent upon its God. And yet it sang, — 
 sang for its own hearing, and sang for my rebuke, say- 
 ing to me," Are ye not much more than IP And God 
 thinks of me, and takes care of me." How much 
 there is in the voice of nature if we only knew how 
 to interpret it! 
 
 Henry Ward Beecher. 
 
 Almighty God, who maketh the morning and the 
 evening to rejoice, beget in us, Thy children, the joy 
 cf Thy presence. All nature responds to Thy sup- 
 porting care. The flower blooms, the bird sings, by 
 thine own life-compelling energy. We also would 
 be responsive to Thy guidance. And after the labor 
 of the day is done and the quiet of eventide gives rest 
 to all Thy creatures, grant that we may share the 
 quieting refreshing stillness of the Everlasting Arms. 
 Grant us Thy peace this night. Banish all turmoil of 
 spirit. Stay our minds on Thee, and let us sleep in 
 the consciousness that all is well because Thou art 
 lifting upon us the light of Thy face. Amen. 
 
 Robert MacDonald.
 
 Bcccmfcec 30 367 
 
 Grow old along with me ! 
 The best is yet to be, 
 
 The last of life, for which the first was made: 
 Our tunes are in His hand 
 Who saith, " A whole I planned, 
 
 Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be 
 afraid ! " 
 
 So, take and use thy work: 
 
 Amend what flaws may lurk, 
 
 What strain o' the stuff, what warpings past the 
 
 aim ! 
 My tunes be in thy hand! 
 Perfect the cup as planned! 
 Let age approve of youth, and death complete the 
 
 same ! 
 
 Robert Browning. 
 
 O Father, we thank Thee that with the length- 
 ening shadows Thy hand is still guiding us through 
 peace to light. We have not always understood the 
 meaning of our life, but Thou hast ever been our 
 hope, and Thou in Thine infinite wisdom hast made 
 us for Thyself. Our way is growing brighter with the 
 passing years; already the setting sun has lavished 
 gold and purple upon whatever clouds have gathered, 
 and we are looking forward with expectation to that 
 which is best of all — Thy presence in which is ful- 
 ness of joy. With Thee, night shall be no more. 
 Amen. 
 
 Clifton D. Gray.
 
 368 l&tttmbtv 31 
 
 How the stroke of twelve at night makes one stop and 
 think! It is a little more impressive than any other hour 
 of the day jr night. Yet more impressive is the passing 
 of a year. It is the last day of the Old Tear. The 
 clock ticks loud as if by the swinging of the pendulum of 
 fate. One waits as for a signal to launch his boat 
 upon an unknown sea — a New Tear. He knows 
 not what storm or tide may catch his craft nor whither 
 it may be driven. Tet he may not wait, the hour 
 str'kes, he must embark. Ah, then he needs a God, 
 bigger than the storms and winds and rocks, a God 
 that lives and stays and speaks. 
 
 George L. Perin. 
 
 O God, who lurketh in the star 
 
 And 'neath all living things that are, 
 
 Grant us Thy nearness. Let Thy might 
 
 Spell itself through the silent night. 
 
 In midnight skies, or restless sea, 
 
 Teach us to find some touch of Thee. 
 
 Teach us the strength of the swaying pine, 
 
 The courage to sink our lives in Thine; 
 
 And in duties that irk and worries that thrall 
 
 To find Thee waiting behind them all. 
 
 God grant that in lowliest things we may see 
 
 Their link to a reasoned Eternity. 
 
 Now the New Year comes and the Old takes flight; 
 
 Dear God of our years, be close tonightl 
 
 Mary Baldwin.
 
 N ON-REFER T
 
 B:/ the author of" The Optimist's Good Night 
 
 THE OPTIMIST'S 
 GOOD MORNING 
 
 By FLORENCE HOB ART PERIN 
 
 16mo. Cloth. White and gold. 
 
 Limp morocco. 
 
 A helpful hook for anyone. — Chicago Tribune. 
 
 Contains only material that hreathes of hope and joy 
 and gladness. — New York Independent. 
 
 A beautiful year book offering a noble sentiment, a 
 hopeful prayer for every day. — Louisville Courier Journal. 
 
 I want to thank you for your cheerful, encouraging book. 
 It wiii help a great many people. — Dr. Edward Everett 
 Hale. 
 
 The book is true to its title, and many will find in it a 
 sure aid to help them face the day with a braver heart. 
 — Westminster, Philadelphia. 
 
 A year book worth owning. Every page has two or 
 three messages of cheer from the words of great thinkers 
 and a prayer by one who knows how to write for hearts 
 that yearn to look upward and with hopefulness. -~ 
 Baltimore Sun. 
 
 Draws from more than two hundred authors for its 
 quotations and from an equal number for its prayers. 
 It has a page for each day of the year, and services for 
 nine special days. A beautiful, helpful, uplifting vol- 
 ume, one of the best of its kind ever printed. — Springfield 
 Republican. 
 
 LITTLE, BROWN, & CO., Publishers 
 
 34 Beacon Street, Boston
 
 / 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 Santa Barbara 
 
 THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE 
 STAMPED BELOW.
 
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